Purple Top Rutabaga Heirloom Seeds

Purple Top Rutabaga Heirloom Seeds – Sweet & Versatile Root Vegetable

The Purple Top Rutabaga (Brassica napus) is a classic heirloom root vegetable, cherished for its golden-yellow flesh, vibrant purple top, and rich, sweet flavor. Growing 3 to 6 inches in diameter, this cold-hardy crop is perfect for fall planting and winter storage.

This nutritious root vegetable is excellent when mashed like potatoes, roasted, or added to stews and casseroles. Rutabagas develop their best flavor when harvested in cool temperatures, making them an ideal late-season crop.

For more heirloom vegetable seeds, explore our Vegetable Seed Collection.

Why Choose Purple Top Rutabaga Seeds?

• Sweet & Nutty Flavor – Perfect for roasting, mashing, or adding to stews.
• Cold-Hardy & Best for Fall Planting – Thrives in cool weather, developing better flavor after frost.
• Long Storage Life – Keeps for months in proper conditions, making it a great winter vegetable.
• Easy to Grow – Low-maintenance, resistant to pests and diseases.
• Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated – Perfect for organic gardening.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging – Resealable, biodegradable seed packets.

Key Features of Purple Top Rutabaga

Appearance

• Shape: Round to slightly oblong root.
• Color: Golden-yellow flesh with a distinctive purple top.
• Size: Grows 3-6 inches in diameter when mature.

Growth Characteristics

• Cold Tolerance: Thrives in cool temperatures and can withstand light frost.
• Growth Habit: Forms large, dense roots with deep green, leafy tops.
• Maturity: Ready for harvest in 90-100 days.

Planting & Growing Instructions

When to Plant Purple Top Rutabaga Seeds

• Spring Planting: Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost for a summer harvest.
• Fall Planting (Recommended): Direct sow 8-10 weeks before the first frost for best flavor and winter storage.

Where to Plant Rutabaga Seeds

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile loamy or sandy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

How to Plant

1. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil 8-10 inches deep and mix in organic compost.
2. Sow Seeds: Plant 1/2 inch deep, spacing 3-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
3. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist for proper germination and root development.
4. Thinning: Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin to 6 inches apart for best root growth.

Care & Maintenance

• Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot or dry periods.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
• Fertilization: Apply an organic nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
• Pest Control: Watch for cabbage root maggots and aphids; use row covers for protection.

Harvesting & Storing Purple Top Rutabaga

When to Harvest

• Maturity: Rutabagas are ready in 90-100 days.
• Cool-Weather Harvest: For best sweetness, wait until after the first frost.
• Size: Harvest when roots reach 3-6 inches in diameter.

Storage Tips

• In the Fridge: Store in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
• Long-Term Storage: Keep in a cool, humid environment (like a root cellar) for up to 5 months.

Benefits of Growing

1. Cold-Hardy & Frost-Tolerant

• Rutabagas taste sweeter after frost, making them perfect for fall and winter gardening.

2. Great for Storage

• Stays fresh for months, providing homegrown vegetables even in winter.

3. High Nutritional Value

• Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and digestion.

4. Versatile in Cooking

• Mash, roast, add to soups, or eat raw for a sweet, nutty flavor.

5. Low-Maintenance & Beginner-Friendly

• Easy to grow with minimal care, making it perfect for new gardeners.

About Our Seeds

• Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated: Perfect for sustainable gardening.
• High Germination Rates: Ensures strong, healthy plants.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Resealable, biodegradable packets to reduce waste.
• Chemical-Free: No pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.

Package Quantity:

0.75g (~200 Seeds)

Grow sweet, nutty Purple Top Rutabagas! A cold-hardy heirloom root vegetable ideal for fall planting & winter storage. Non-GMO, open-pollinated & easy to grow!