Rutabaga Growing Guide Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Any fertile, well drained soil that holds moisture well. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Time planting so that rutabagas are reaching maturity just as the first fall frosts arrive. Cold weather improved rutabaga flavor and texture. Feeding Not usually required. Spacing Single Plants: 9" (25cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 7" (20cm) with 1' 3" (40cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow seeds half an inch deep and 4 inches apart in early summer. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart when they are 3 weeks old. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Needs more water than many other vegetables. Mulch to keep the soil cool and moist. Harvesting Harvest in mid to late fall, after the soil has cooled and frosts have become frequent. Trimmed roots can be stored in a cool basement, root cellar, or refrigerator. Troubleshooting Rutabagas left in the ground too long become woody. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Rutabaga Aphid, Cabbage Aphids (General) Cabbage Root Maggot Slug Snail Wireworm Plant Diseases which Affect Rutabaga Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot