Rutabaga
Brassica napus var. napobrassica
Plant Images
OneSeed Image
Description
Rutabaga, also known as Swedish turnip or swede, is a biennial root vegetable in the Brassicaceae family. It plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture due to its deep taproot, which breaks up compacted soil, enhancing aeration and water infiltration. Rutabaga is often used in crop rotations to disrupt pest and disease cycles. Its foliage can be used as green manure, adding organic matter to the soil. In a food forest, rutabaga serves as a root layer plant, contributing to soil health and structure. It pairs well with guild companions like legumes, which can fix nitrogen, and aromatic herbs such as dill and mint, which can deter pests. Historically, rutabaga has been a staple in Northern European diets, valued for its nutritional content and storage capability through winter months.
Growing Details
Rutabaga thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral pH. Prior to planting, incorporate compost to enhance soil fertility. Mulching with straw or leaves helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as peas and beans can improve soil nitrogen levels, while aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary can deter pests. Avoid planting near other brassicas to reduce disease risk. Harvest rutabagas in late fall after a light frost for improved sweetness. Store in a cool, dark pla
Tags
Carbon Farming
Erosion Preventing
Easy Propagating
Winter Edible
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Brassica napus var. napobrassica</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Scandinavia and Russia, widely cult
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of Jun for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
beginning
of March
Transplant:
middle
of April
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: Rutabaga roots are versatile in the kitchen. They can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or added to stews and soups. The young leaves are edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach. Rutabaga is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to meals.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Rutabaga is a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, supporting immune function and digestive health. It contains glucosinolates, which may have anti-cancer properties. However, individuals with thyroid conditions should consume it in moderation due to its goitrogenic compounds.
health concerns: Contains goitrogens, which may affect thyroid function if consumed in large quantities.
other uses: Rutabaga foliage can be used as green manure to improve soil organic matter.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Brassica napus var. napobrassica</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Brassica napus var. napobrassica
common names: Swede; Swedish turnip; Neep
family: Brassicaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Brassica
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.2 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: Low
hardness:
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
(4/10)
first harvest: 1 years
life span: 2 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.5 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Rutabaga thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral pH. Prior to planting, incorporate compost to enhance soil fertility. Mulching with straw or leaves helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as peas and beans can improve soil nitrogen levels, while aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary can deter pests. Avoid planting near other brassicas to reduce disease risk. Harvest rutabagas in late fall after a light frost for improved sweetness. Store in a cool, dark pla
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage root maggots. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting marigolds can deter nematodes, and using neem oil or garlic spray can help manage flea beetles. Floating row covers can protect young plants from pests.
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Download QR Code
Loading comments...