Purple Top Rutabaga Seeds – Sweet, Hardy Cool-Season Root Vegetable for Mashing, Canning & Long Storage

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$2.99 USD
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What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Grow abundant, flavorful roots with Purple Top Rutabaga Seeds (American Purple Top) from Survival Garden Seeds. This trusted heirloom variety produces large, 5–6 inch roots with purple tops and smooth, ivory flesh. Known for its sweet, mild flavor and fine texture, rutabaga—also called swede—is perfect for mashing, roasting, canning, or long-term storage. A resilient cool-weather crop, Purple Top thrives in the garden’s colder months, making it an essential addition to year-round and survival gardening plans.

Sweet, Nutritious, and Productive:

  • Produces large, round roots with purple shoulders and creamy interiors
  • Mild, sweet flavor ideal for soups, mashes, and roasted dishes
  • High yields and excellent storage life through the winter
  • Reliable cool-season performer—great for fall or early spring harvests

Perfect for Cool Weather Gardening:

  • Rutabagas prefer cool conditions and mild frost, which enhance their sweetness
  • Can be direct-sown in midsummer for fall harvest or early spring for late-season crops
  • Hardy and dependable, even in challenging weather conditions

How to Grow Purple Top Rutabaga:

  • Sow seeds directly outdoors 2–3 months before the first fall frost.
  • Plant seeds ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart in well-draining, fertile soil.
  • Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart once established.
  • Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
  • Harvest roots when they reach 5–6 inches for best flavor and texture.

Harvest & Storage:
After harvesting, trim the tops and store rutabagas in a cool, dark place. They keep well for months, providing a reliable, nutritious food source throughout winter.

Net Wt. 500MG

Heirloom Vegetable Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Brassica napus var. napobrassica
  • Planting Zones
    3-9
  • Light
    Full Sun
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    50-75 Degrees F.
  • Germination Time
    7-14 Days
  • Planting Depth
    1/4-1/2 Inch
  • Plant Size
    12-15 Inches Tall
  • Days to Harvest
    80-120 Days
  • Growing Instructions
    Sow directly into rich fertile soil that is loose enough for good root development. Best in cool weather. Rutabagas can be sown in the early spring and fall. Spread thinly in garden and cover lightly with soil. Thin to 3-6" apart once leaves reach 4 inches high. Succession planting every 2 weeks will ensure continuous harvest.
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Allow rutabagas to flower, wilt, and completely form seed pods. Remove when completely brown. Separate seeds from pods and chaff and dry in paper bag for a few days. Store in a cool dry place for up to 4 years.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    220-225

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Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

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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 treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our farmer seeds. All of our garden seeds for sale 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.

In what zones can I grow your seeds?

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 gardening 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 varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.