How to Grow Cabbage Turnips (Rutabaga) in Delaware

Cabbage turnips, more commonly known as rutabaga, are a nutritious root vegetable that thrives in cooler climates. If you’re a Delaware gardener looking to add this versatile crop to your garden, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing rutabaga, from choosing the right variety to harvesting and storing.

Understanding Rutabaga

Rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) is a cross between turnips and cabbage, boasting a sweet flavor and creamy texture when cooked. They are rich in vitamins C and E, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. Whether mashed, roasted, or used in soups, rutabagas make a delightful addition to a variety of dishes.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Climate

Delaware has a temperate climate that is favorable for growing rutabagas. These cool-season crops thrive in cooler temperatures typical of late summer through early fall. They prefer daytime temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C) for optimal growth.

Soil Requirements

Soil type plays a crucial role in the success of rutabaga cultivation. Here’s what you need to know:

• pH Level: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A slightly acidic to neutral pH supports healthy growth.
• Texture: Rutabagas prefer well-drained loamy soils enriched with organic matter. Sandy loam is particularly advantageous as it allows for good drainage while retaining moisture.
• Nutrient-Rich: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into your soil before planting to provide essential nutrients.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting rutabaga varieties for your Delaware garden, consider the following options:

• American Purple Top: This classic variety has purple skin with yellow flesh. It’s known for its sweet flavor and is widely adapted.
• Wilhelmsburger: A popular choice among home gardeners, this variety produces large roots with smooth skin and excellent storage qualities.
• Sweet Swede: Known for its superior sweetness and smooth texture, this variety is perfect for culinary uses.

Choose a variety based on your taste preference, space availability, and intended use.

Planting Rutabaga

Seed Starting Indoors

If you’re starting rutabagas from seeds indoors, follow these steps:

1. Timing: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Delaware (typically around mid-April).
2. Containers: Use seed trays or peat pots filled with seed-starting mix.
3. Sowing Depth: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep.
4. Germination Conditions: Keep the soil moist and maintain temperatures around 70°F (21°C). Expect germination within 7-14 days.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

For those who prefer direct sowing:

1. Timing: Sow seeds outdoors approximately 2-4 weeks before the last frost date or in late summer for a fall crop.
2. Row Spacing: Prepare rows spaced about 18 inches apart.
3. Seed Spacing: Sow seeds 1-2 inches apart within rows.

Transplanting Seedlings

If you’ve started seeds indoors:

1. Harden Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week by placing them outside for increasing periods each day.
2. Transplanting Time: Transplant seedlings about 2 weeks after the last frost date when they have at least two true leaves.
3. Spacing: Space transplants about 12 inches apart in rows.

Care and Maintenance

Once your rutabagas are planted, proper care will ensure healthy growth.

Watering

Regular watering is crucial for rutabaga cultivation:

• Frequency: Water deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water per week (consider rainfall).
• Soil Moisture: Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy; overly wet conditions can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

Fertilization will promote vigorous growth:

• Before Planting: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost before planting.
• Mid-Growth Boost: Apply additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer approximately four weeks after sowing seedlings to encourage leafy growth.

Weeding

Weeds can compete with your rutabagas for nutrients and water:

• Regularly check your garden bed for weeds and remove them by hand or with a hoe.
• Consider applying mulch around plants to suppress weed growth while conserving moisture.

Pest and Disease Management

Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that can affect rutabagas:

• Pests: Watch for aphids, flea beetles, and root maggots. Use organic insecticides or row covers as preventive measures.
• Diseases: Fungal diseases like downy mildew can occur in humid conditions; practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation around plants.

Harvesting Rutabaga

Timing is critical when it comes to harvesting rutabagas:

1. Maturity Indicators: Rutabagas are typically ready to harvest about 90–120 days after planting when roots are 3-6 inches in diameter.
2. Harvesting Technique: Loosen the soil around the base of the plant gently with a fork or spade to avoid damaging the roots; pull them out carefully.
3. Storage Tips: After harvesting, trim the greens but leave about an inch of stem attached to prevent moisture loss. Store harvested rutabagas in a cool, dark place or root cellar where they can last several months.

Storing Rutabaga

Proper storage enhances the shelf life of your harvested rutabagas:

• Store unwashed rutabagas in perforated plastic bags or containers in a refrigerator crisper drawer.
• If you’ve harvested more than you can use immediately, consider blanching and freezing them for long-term storage.

Conclusion

Growing cabbage turnips (rutabaga) can be an enriching experience for any Delaware gardener. With their adaptability to local climate conditions, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility, they are certainly worth the effort of cultivation. By following these guidelines on planting, care, pest management, harvesting, and storage, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh rutabagas straight from your garden throughout the season.

Happy gardening!