- A USU recommended variety with large 5-6" roots that are purple and yellow with a mild and fine grained flesh.
Rutabaga Seeds - American Purple Top
Microgreen
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90 days. Brassica napus var. napobrassica. American Purple Top Rutabaga Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, heirloom, open-pollinated. This crop is suitable for garden plots, fields, raised beds, and containers. American Purple Top is a USU-recommended rutabaga with large, 5-6-inch, nearly round roots with purple over yellow skin, mild, fine-grained yellow flesh that turns golden when cooked, and stores well for winter use. ~12,000 seeds/oz.
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Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF (opens in a new tab) 
Growing American Purple Top Rutabaga in the Vegetable Garden
American Purple Top rutabaga performs best as a cool-season root crop. Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or sow in mid to late summer for fall harvest. Prepare a fertile, well-drained bed and sow seeds 0.25-0.5 inches deep in rows 12-18 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist during germination, which typically takes 7-10 days in cool soil.
Once seedlings have several true leaves, thin to 6 inches between plants so roots have room to size up. Avoid allowing soil to dry out or become waterlogged. Consistent moisture and a balanced side-dress of fertilizer or compost help produce smooth, fine-textured roots. For fall crops, time sowing so roots mature in cool weather, as light frosts improve sweetness and flavor.
Harvesting of American Purple Top Rutabaga
Roots are usually ready to harvest around 90 days from sowing, when they reach about 4-6 inches across and have well-colored purple tops. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil, then carefully pull the roots to avoid damage. Remove foliage, leaving about 0.5 inch of stem to reduce storage rot.
Rutabagas hold well in the ground during cool weather and can be dug as needed until the soil freezes. For long-term storage, cure roots briefly in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area, then store in a root cellar or refrigerator in a slightly moist medium. Properly stored roots keep for months, retaining their fine texture and sweet flavor.
About American Purple Top Rutabaga Garden Seeds
American Purple Top is a classic heirloom rutabaga and a standard market variety, long valued for its high yields, fine-grained yellow flesh, and excellent winter-keeping quality. Large, nearly round roots with purple shoulders and yellow skins are attractive both in the garden and at market.
Mild, sweet, and slightly earthy, the flesh turns rich golden or orange when cooked. American Purple Top rutabaga is delicious mashed like potatoes, roasted with other root vegetables, baked into casseroles, or added to soups and stews. It is also recommended by Utah State University and other extension services as a dependable, high-quality fall and winter root crop.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Sow rutabagas for a fall harvest so roots can size up in cool weather. Thin promptly to 6 inches, keep soil consistently moist, and let plants catch a light frost or two before digging for the sweetest, best-flavored roots."
American Purple Top Rutabaga Seeds Per Package:
- 4 g Packet - Approximately 1,690 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 12,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 48,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk - Approximately 192,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk - Approximately 960,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 4,800,000 Seeds
Non-GMO American Purple Top Rutabaga seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping (opens in a new tab) on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Latin Name: | Brassica napus var. napobrassica |
| American Purple Top Rutabaga Color: | Large 5-6 inch nearly round roots with purple tops and yellow skins; yellow flesh turns golden to orange when cooked |
| American Purple Top Rutabaga Flavor: | Mild, sweet, fine-grained; excellent for mashing, roasting, and stews, especially after frost |
Growing Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 |
| Days to Maturity: | 90 days |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25-0.5 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright rosette root crop |
| Soil Preference: | Fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture; pH 6.0-7.5. |
| Temperature Preference: | Cooler 45-75 F |
| Germination Temperature: | 55-75 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Direct Sow: | Yes, best sown directly into cool soil. |
| Start Indoors: | Optional, 3-4 weeks before last frost; transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots. |
| Plant Width: | 6-12 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Pests and Diseases: | Watch for flea beetles, cabbage root maggots, aphids, and cabbage worms; use rotation and good drainage to reduce clubroot and other brassica diseases. |
| Garden Size: | Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Containers |
| Climate Tolerance: | Cool weather, frost tolerant; ideal as a fall crop |
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