Vegetable · Brassicaceae family
rutabaga
Brassica napus var. napobrassica
In short a 10-second read
Rutabaga (vegetable) grows to 0.3–0.6 m tall and 0.2–0.3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average soil. Sow in May–June. Harvest in September–October.
× spread 0.2–0.3 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, sandy
Soil pH 5.5–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Sowing
direct sowing: May–June
Harvest
September–October
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow rutabaga?
In May–June (direct sowing).
When is rutabaga harvested?
In September–October.
Does rutabaga tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does rutabaga need?
At maturity 0.2–0.3 m wide and 0.3–0.6 m tall; recommended spacing 25 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (6)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Brassica napus
- RHS — Swede — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Brassica napus var. napobrassica
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
