Turnips and rutabagas are cool-season crops in the cabbage family. These root crops grow and produce best in the cool spring and fall growing seasons.
Turnip vs. Rutabaga | Growing Conditions | Planting | Care | Harvest & Storage | More Information
Turnip vs. Rutabaga
While these crops are very similar, they have some key differences. Turnips are relatively fast-maturing crops that produce both edible greens and large edible roots. They are harvested when young. Oversized roots and those grown in summer temperatures are of poor quality. Turnips leaves (greens) are rough and hairy. These edible leaves should be harvested young.
The rutabaga or Swede turnip is a cross between the cabbage and the turnip. While the rutabaga resembles the turnip, its typically harvested at a larger size. The rutabaga has smooth, waxy, blue-green foliage. The thickened root of most varieties is yellow-fleshed. Most turnips are white-fleshed and have rough, hairy leaves.
Growing Conditions
Both turnips and rutabagas grow best in moist, well-drained soils that are not compacted. If soils are not ideal, grow plants in raised beds or amend the soil with compost to improve soil conditions. Grow in full sun, providing at least six hours of direct sun a day.
Planting
Turnips
Turnips are a cool-season crop with a relatively short production time. A crop can be planted in both spring and fall. Sow seed 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep as soon as the soil can be worked in mid to late April for an early summer harvest. Sow a second crop in August for a fall harvest. After germination, thin turnips to 3 to 6 inches apart.
'Purple Top White Globe,' 'Seven Tops' (primarily for greens), 'White Lady,' and 'Watermelon' are suggested turnip varieties for home gardens.
Rutabagas
The rutabaga is a cool, long-season crop. It performs best when planted in summer for a fall crop. Sow seed at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch from June 15 to July 15 in Iowa. Rows should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. After germination, thin rutabagas to 6 inches apart.
'American Purple Top' and 'Laurentian' are suggested rutabaga varieties for home gardens. Both varieties produce globe-shaped, light yellow roots with purple tops. Their flesh is yellow.
Care
Rutabagas and turnips require 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week (either from rain or irrigation) during the growing season. Water weekly during dry weather. While they have large roots, they are not drought tolerant.
Control weeds in the area with frequent, shallow (less than 2 inches deep) cultivation. After thinning, use a light mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, to help reduce weeds and maintain consistent soil moisture.
If a soil test has not been done, apply 1-2 pounds of all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet, and incorporate it into the top 4-6 inches of soil before planting. Conduct a soil test for more precise fertilizer recommendations based on your garden's fertility. For rutabagas, about 3-4 weeks after planting, broadcast a small amount of an all-purpose garden fertilizer in a band along one side of each row. Turnips do not need additional fertilizer.
Harvest and Storage
Turnips
Harvest turnip greens when leaves are young, about 4 to 6 inches long. Remove outer leaves using scissors, taking care not to damage the growing point. Never remove a majority of the leaves. Leaves can be harvested continuously in this manner until the root is harvested.
Roots should be harvested when they reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Smaller roots are better if you plan to eat them raw. Harvest roots by loosening the soil with a garden fork or spade and gently pulling by their tops. Remove tops and clean roots.
Greens can be stored in the refrigerator inside a plastic bag for about one week. Roots should be stored in the refrigerator and used within two weeks. Turnips do not have a long storage life as they lose moisture quickly.
Rutabagas
The rutabaga can be harvested when the roots reach 2 or 3 inches in diameter. However, it's best to harvest rutabagas when the roots are 4 to 5 inches in diameter and the plants have been exposed to several light frosts. Light frosts sweeten the flavor of the roots. The foliage may also be harvested for greens. Rutabagas require approximately 90 to 110 days from planting until harvest. A 10-foot row should produce 8 to 10 pounds of rutabagas.
Prior to storage, trim off the foliage to within 1 inch of the crown with a sharp knife. Rutabagas can be stored for 2 to 4 months at a temperature of 32 to 35 F and a relative humidity of 90 to 95 percent. Rutabagas can also be heavily mulched in the garden in late fall and harvested until the ground freezes in winter.
More Information
- Vegetable Planting and Harvesting Times
- Suggested Vegetable Varieties for the Home Garden (publication)
- Growing Leafy Greens in Iowa
- Growing Cole Crops in the Home Garden
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