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Rutabaga Seeds

Rutabaga seeds mature into hardy cruciferous vegetables with large, edible roots – very similar to turnips. Their flavor is sweet, earthy, and somewhat peppery. Best grown in cool weather, rutabagas prefer full sunshine to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil. These biennials are cultivated as annual plants in vegetable gardens. Although rutabagas need a longer growing season than other root crops, they provide a welcome addition to winter meals.
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Survival Garden Seeds provides rutabaga seeds for sale, including instructions for sowing and proper care. Our non-GMO seeds are chosen for their strong growth characteristics and culinary quality, ensuring a successful and tasty harvest of the rutabaga vegetable.

Growing Rutabaga Seeds in Your Garden

  • Sweet, earthy flavor
  • Easy to grow root vegetables
  • Ideal for winter meals
  • Heirloom, non-GMO seeds

INTRODUCING RUTABAGA SEEDS

Rutabagas, also known as Swedes, are an interesting cross between a turnip and a cabbage. The result is a nutritious root vegetable abundant in C vitamin, fiber, and potassium, which can be prepared in many ways: roasted, added to soups and stews, or mashed. Originating from Scandinavia or possibly Russia, rutabagas are used in various cuisines today. They are suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9.

HOW TO GROW RUTABAGA FROM SEEDS

Sow rutabaga seeds in the garden about six weeks before the last frost for spring planting. Plant them four months before the first fall frost for a late harvest. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep. Space them 6 inches apart. Rutabagas need a full growing season for root development. This is why timely planting is crucial for success.

MAINTAINING RUTABAGA PLANTS

Even though they take time to develop, rutabagas are easy to grow overall. They require consistent moisture. Regular watering and a mulch layer help maintain soil temperature and moisture. Thin the seedlings to 12 inches apart when they are big enough, giving each plant enough space to grow. Harvest rutabagas when the roots are 3 to 5 inches in diameter. They can be left in the ground to be picked when needed and saving valuable storage space in your root cellar. They can withstand frost and even become sweeter with the cold.

With Survival Garden Seeds, growing rutabagas at home allows you to enjoy hearty vegetables. Their sweet, nourishing qualities will be perfect when mashed or roasted. Use them in winter dishes, and indulge in the comforting taste of this wonderful crop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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