Rutabaga Seeds - American Purple Top Rutabaga

Name: Rutabaga Seeds - American Purple Top Rutabaga
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: RT1
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Classic heirloom rutabaga with sweet, golden flesh and purple shoulders that store beautifully through winter.

Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: RT1

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

The traditional winter keeper with northern flavor. ‘American Purple Top’ rutabaga forms large, round roots with creamy yellow flesh and purple shoulders. The flavor is rich, sweet, and earthy, improving after frost for hearty soups and mashes.

Plants mature in about 90 days and store well for months, making them a dependable winter crop. Vigorous tops add to its ease of harvest.

An old American favorite first grown in colonial times, this variety continues to symbolize self-reliance and winter comfort—a root that endures both time and cold.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Pickup available at Bertie County Seeds

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Plant identity

Minimum seed count 300

Scientific name Brassica napus var. napobrassica

Life cycle Biennial

Botanical family Brassicaceae

Reproductive type Open-Pollinated (OP)

Heritage qualifiers Non-GMO

Timing and climate

Days to maturity 90-99 Days

Germination 7–14 Days

Germination temperature 60–75 °F

Planting season Spring/Fall

Bloom season Spring

Frost tolerance Hardy

Sunlight Full sun

Water needs Moderate

Site, soil, and space

Soil type Loamy

Preferred soil pH 6.0–6.5

Seed depth 1/4 in

Plant spacing 2 in

Row spacing 18 in

Mature height 13–18 in

Growth habit Rosette

Suitable growing locations In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Community garden, Containers

Choosing the Right Location:

Light Requirements: Rutabagas thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements: Rutabagas prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. They grow best in loamy soil rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils that retain water.
Planting Seeds:

Timing: Sow Rutabaga seeds directly in the garden 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring or 10-12 weeks before the first expected frost date in fall. Rutabagas perform best in cool weather.
Sowing Depth: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
Spacing: Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart to allow for proper root development. Rows should be spaced about 18-24 inches apart.
Watering:

Initial Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 5-10 days.
Ongoing Watering: Once established, water Rutabagas regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture. Rutabagas need about 1 inch of water per week. Avoid letting the soil dry out, as inconsistent moisture can cause the roots to crack.
Temperature and Climate:

Preferred Temperature: Rutabagas grow best in temperatures ranging from 50-75°F (10-24°C). They are cool-season crops and can tolerate light frosts, which can even enhance their flavor.
Fertilization:

Feeding: Before planting, work a balanced fertilizer or compost into the soil to provide essential nutrients. An additional side-dressing of fertilizer mid-season can promote healthy growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage leaf growth at the expense of root development.
Pruning and Thinning:

Thinning: Thin seedlings early to reduce competition for nutrients and space. Proper spacing ensures that each Rutabaga has enough room to develop a large, healthy root.
Mulching:

Mulch Application: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching helps keep the roots cool and moist, which is essential for good Rutabaga development.
Pest and Disease Management:

Common Pests: Watch for common pests such as root maggots, aphids, and flea beetles. Use row covers to protect young plants and consider applying diatomaceous earth or neem oil as natural pest controls.
Diseases: Ensure good air circulation and practice crop rotation to prevent diseases such as clubroot and powdery mildew. Avoid planting Rutabagas in the same spot where other brassicas have grown in the past 3 years.

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Plan before you plant

Check how this variety fits your garden

Root-crop soil-depth profile

Loose, stone-free soil depth is as important as surface spacing for straight, well-shaped roots.

Starting targets

Direct sun: 6+ hours
Plant spacing: 2+ in
Container starting point: 3+ gal
Listed light: Full sun
Growth habit: Rosette
Mature height: 13–18 in

The product details shown on this page take priority over the general planning starting points above.

Garden-fit checklist

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

Lab pH Organic matter (%) Soil texture Lab phosphorus rating Lab potassium rating

This tool interprets values you enter; it does not replace laboratory or Cooperative Extension amendment rates. Soil test methods and nutrient recommendations vary by region.

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