The rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) is a sweet root vegetable in the Brassica genus within the mustard (Brassicaceae) family. It is very similar to the turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) but usually larger. In fact, rutabagas are so similar, they are referred to as turnips in Scotland and the eastern part of Canada. The root is also known as a Swedish turnip or a swede in the rest of the UK and in most commonwealth countries.
Rutabagas developed as cross between turnip and some form of a cabbage plant (Brassica oleracea) and likely originated in Scandinavia or Russia. They are golden in color and often have a purple top. The roots are milder in taste than turnips but have the same general flavor. Like many other cole crops, they are at their best during cold weather and make an excellent fall and winter crop.
The roots are consumed in variety of ways including boiled, mashed, added to stews and soups, baked in pastries and casseroles, and pickled – and the leaves can be eaten as greens. Both the tops and roots of rutabaga are used as livestock feed, primarily for hogs, and the plants can be fed directly after harvest or left in the field for foraging. The roots can stay in the field for up to a year prior to harvesting.
Rutabagas are an easy root crop for the home gardener to grow provided one keeps an eye open for pests and diseases that attack rutabagas – as well as those who love to feed on all brassicas. Read all of our growing and care guides down below to help you get started in planting your own patch.
White spot fungi are selective in the crucifers they infect and cause disease on the leaves of turnip, rutabaga, canola, mustard, radish, and horseradish. The fungi overwinter on volunteer plants and cruciferous weeds. Read on to learn how to control white spot fungus on crucifers.
Turnip and rutabaga plants can be severely infested by several types of insects. While row covers can prevent some of these infestations, wireworms are soil-borne threats that can cause the end of the season’s crop in an infested field. Read on to learn how to manage cabbage aphids, root maggots, flea beetles, sawflies, and more.
Fungi, bacteria, and water molds cause multiple types of diseases on the leaves or roots of turnips and rutabagas. In addition, turnip mosaic virus is a debilitating disease. You can prevent many diseases by using clean or heat-treated seeds. Read on to find out what symptoms to look for on your crops.
How do you know when it’s time to harvest rutabaga? And what should you do with it once you’ve picked it? Head over to Gardener’s Path to learn how and when to harvest and proper storage techniques, plus we share our favorite cooking tips and recipe ideas. You’ll be astonished at how many ways rutabaga can be enjoyed.
Do you love potatoes and carrots? Want to try growing something new in your garden this year? It’s time to add rutabaga to your list. This under-represented root vegetable is nutritious, delicious, and an excellent choice for long term storage. Best of all, it’s easy to grow your own. Read more now!