Purple Upper Shoulders
Develops rounded roots with distinctive purple coloring around the upper portion and creamy yellow flesh.
Estimated Delivery:Nov 21 - Nov 25
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Purple Rutabaga, commonly known as swede or Swedish turnip, is a cool-season root vegetable valued for its round, firm roots with purple upper shoulders and creamy yellow flesh. It produces attractive green foliage above the soil and develops flavorful underground roots that can be used in soups, stews, roasting, and other home-cooked dishes. Purple Rutabaga is suitable for vegetable gardens, raised beds, and larger containers with sufficient root space. It grows best in cool weather, fertile soil, and consistent moisture, making it a useful addition to home vegetable gardens.
Develops rounded roots with distinctive purple coloring around the upper portion and creamy yellow flesh.
Produces flavorful underground roots that can be enjoyed roasted, mashed, boiled, or added to soups.
Performs well in cooler growing conditions and is suitable for fall and spring vegetable gardening.
Produces green foliage above the soil while the edible root develops underground.
| Scientific Name | Brassica napus Napobrassica Group |
| Common Name | Purple Rutabaga; Swede; Swedish Turnip |
| Plant Family | Brassicaceae |
| Plant Type | Biennial root vegetable, commonly grown as an annual crop |
| Seed Type | Vegetable Seeds |
| Growth Habit | Upright leafy growth with a rounded underground storage root |
| Root Color | Purple upper shoulders with creamy yellow flesh; variety-dependent |
| Foliage | Green leafy tops |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Generally grown as a cool-season annual vegetable; suitability varies by climate |
| Planting Season | Spring or late summer for fall harvest, depending on local climate |
| Seed Starting | Direct sowing into prepared garden soil or start in suitable seed trays |
| Germination Time | Approximately 7 to 14 days under suitable conditions |
| Germination Temperature | Approximately 45°F to 85°F (7°C to 29°C) |
| Sunlight | Full sun; partial shade may be suitable in warmer conditions |
| Soil Requirements | Fertile, loose, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Regular and consistent watering to support even root development |
| Mature Plant Size | Varies by variety and growing conditions |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 6 to 8 inches between plants, with 18 to 24 inches between rows |
| Harvest Time | Generally around 90 to 120 days after sowing, depending on variety and conditions |
Add Purple Rutabaga to your vegetable garden for its attractive purple-shouldered roots, creamy yellow flesh, and versatile culinary uses. These cool-season vegetables grow well in fertile soil with consistent moisture and suitable sunlight. With proper planting and regular care, you can enjoy homegrown rutabagas for roasting, soups, mashing, and seasonal meals.
Discover helpful answers about Purple Rutabaga seed planting, root development, and harvesting.
Rutabagas generally take around 90 to 120 days from sowing to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Cool temperatures, fertile soil, and consistent watering help support healthy root development.
Rutabagas and turnips are related root vegetables, but they differ in appearance, flavor, and growing time. Rutabagas generally have larger roots with purple or bronze upper shoulders and yellow flesh, while turnips are usually smaller and often have white flesh with purple or red coloring. Rutabagas also typically require a longer growing season.
The best time to plant rutabaga seeds is during cool weather. For a fall harvest, sow seeds in late summer according to your local climate and the expected first frost date. Spring planting is also possible in regions with a sufficiently long cool growing season.