How to Grow Rutabagas in Wisconsin

Rutabagas, often overlooked in the vegetable garden, are a hardy root vegetable that thrive in cooler climates. For gardeners in Wisconsin, their robust nature and ability to withstand frost make them an excellent choice for both spring and fall planting. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to grow rutabagas in Wisconsin, from selection to harvest.

Understanding Rutabagas

Rutabagas (Brassica napus) are a cross between turnips and cabbage. They produce large, bulbous roots that can weigh up to five pounds and have a sweet, earthy flavor. With their rich nutritional profile, rutabagas are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting rutabaga varieties for your garden, it’s essential to consider their growing season and adaptability to Wisconsin’s climate. Some recommended varieties include:

• American Purple Top: A popular choice among gardeners, it is known for its purple tops and yellow flesh. This variety matures within 90 days.
• Laurentian: It has a smooth texture and is less pungent than other varieties. Maturing in about 85 days, it’s ideal for northern climates.
• Gold Ball: This variety is prized for its round shape and golden-yellow skin. It grows well in cooler temperatures and matures in roughly 90 days.

Timing Your Planting

Rutabagas are a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. In Wisconsin, you can plant rutabagas either in early spring or late summer:

Spring Planting

• Start Indoors: If you want to get a head start, you can begin seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date (typically early to mid-April).
• Transplant Outdoors: Move seedlings outdoors once they have developed several leaves and the risk of frost has passed (around late May).

Fall Planting

• Direct Seeding: For a fall crop, plant seeds directly in the garden about 10-12 weeks before the first expected frost (usually around mid-July).
• Cool Weather Growth: Rutabagas grown in fall will develop sweeter flavors due to the cooler temperatures.

Preparing the Soil

Rutabagas prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Here’s how you can prepare your soil effectively:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a site with full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily).
2. Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.
3. Amendments: Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
4. Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to ensure good root development.

Sowing Seeds

When sowing rutabaga seeds, follow these steps:

1. Spacing: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 2-4 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
2. Thinning: Once seedlings reach about 2 inches tall, thin them to allow for adequate spacing (6-12 inches apart). This helps prevent overcrowding and promotes better growth.

Watering Practices

Rutabagas need consistent moisture throughout their growing season but should not be waterlogged. Here are some tips on effective watering:

1. Frequency: Water deeply once per week unless there has been significant rainfall. Adjust frequency based on weather conditions.
2. Method: Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to minimize water on foliage, reducing disease risk.
3. Mulching: Apply organic mulch (such as straw or grass clippings) around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing Rutabagas

Fertilization will enhance growth and yield:

1. Initial Fertilization: Incorporate balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 N-P-K) into the soil at planting time according to package instructions.
2. Side Dressing: About halfway through the growing season, side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer (such as blood meal) to encourage leafy growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Keeping your rutabagas healthy involves monitoring for pests and diseases:

Common Pests

• Cabbage Root Maggots: These pests affect young plants; applying insect barriers can help prevent infestations.
• Aphids: Regularly inspect plants; you can wash off aphids with water or use insecticidal soap if infestations occur.

Common Diseases

• Downy Mildew: Ensure proper spacing for air circulation; avoid overhead watering.
• Black Rot: Prevent this disease by rotating crops yearly and practicing good sanitation.

Harvesting Rutabagas

Knowing when to harvest is crucial for flavor and quality:

1. Timing: Rutabagas are typically ready for harvest between 90 to 120 days after planting when they reach about the size of a baseball or larger.
2. Harvest Method: Gently loosen the soil around the roots with a garden fork before pulling them up to avoid damage.
3. Storage: After harvesting, brush off excess soil without washing them as this can lead to rot. Store rutabagas in a cool, dark place like a basement or root cellar, where they can last several months.

Cooking with Rutabagas

Rutabagas can be prepared in various delicious ways:

• Mashed Rutabaga: Boil peeled chunks until tender; mash with butter, salt, and pepper for a comforting side dish.
• Roasted Rutabaga Fries: Cut into strips, toss with olive oil and seasoning, then roast until crispy for a healthy snack.
• Soups & Stews: Add diced rutabaga to soups or stews for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Gardening is both an art and science that rewards patience and effort, especially when growing nutritious vegetables like rutabagas in Wisconsin’s unique climate. With careful planning—considering timing, soil preparation, pest management, and proper harvesting techniques—you can enjoy this versatile root vegetable all season long. So grab your gardening tools, select your favorite rutabaga variety, and get ready to enjoy homegrown goodness straight from your garden!