500 Seeds Rutabaga American Purple Top and 50 similar items

500 Seeds Rutabaga American Purple Top Heirloom Organic NON GMO Rutabagas were the standard root crop in Europe before the potato arrived on the scene in the 16th century. American Purple Top Rutabaga has been around since the 1920s. It produces huge yellow roots 4-6" in diameter that are globe shaped with purple shoulders. The flesh is yellow, sweet and finely grained. It turns orange when cooked. Sweeter and better tasing than turnips. Rutabagas like cool weather and grow best in well-worked, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Add aged compost to planting beds in advance of sowing. Remove soil lumps and rocks which could cause roots to split or become malformed. Add aged compost to planting beds before planting and as a side dressing at midseason. Give rutabagas regular, even water so that roots growing steadily. Do not let the soil dry out. Roots that grow too slowly will be tough. Sporadic watering can cause developing roots to crack. Rutabagas are ready for harvest 60 to 90 days after sowing. Carefully dig out rutabagas when they are 3 to 5 inches in diameter and tops are about 12 inches tall. Rutabagas can remain in the ground as long as the soil temperature does not dip below 24F. Mulch roots remaining in the ground. Zones 3-10