How to Grow American Purple Top Rutabaga
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American Purple Top Rutabaga
Brassica napus subsp. rapifera
vegetableAmerican Purple Top is a popular rutabaga variety known for its large, golden-yellow root with a distinctive purple crown at the top. This cool-season crop is prized for its sweet, tender flesh and excellent storage capabilities. It's a staple in traditional gardening and is particularly valued in northern climates.
When should you plant American Purple Top Rutabaga in your zone?
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Example American Purple Top Rutabaga timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant American Purple Top Rutabaga
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest American Purple Top Rutabaga
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact American Purple Top Rutabaga dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; can grow in zone 8 with afternoon shade
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves emerge 7-10 days after planting; thin crowded seedlings to prevent competition
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin to proper spacing when plants are 2-3 inches tall. Protect from flea beetles with row covers if needed.
Early Vegetative
3-4 weeksFoliage develops 6-8 true leaves; plant begins to establish root system with slight swelling at soil surface
Continue thinning if necessary. Monitor for flea beetles and cabbage worms. Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Begin light fertilizing.
Root Development
4-6 weeksRoot expands rapidly underground; purple crown becomes visible at soil surface; foliage grows more vigorously
Maintain consistent watering schedule. Side-dress with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Keep mulch away from crown area to prevent rot. Monitor for root maggots and other pests.
Maturation
4-6 weeksRoot reaches full size (4-6 inches diameter); purple coloring deepens at crown; foliage is full but slowing growth
Continue watering regularly but reduce frequency slightly. Stop fertilizing 3 weeks before harvest. Check root size by gently exposing top of root. Mulch heavily before frost.
Harvest Ready
Ready to harvestRoot is firm, well-colored, and has reached desired size; typically 4-6 inches in diameter with deep purple top
Can be harvested at any size but flavor is best after light frost. Leave in ground and harvest as needed, or dig all roots before hard freeze for storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers over young plants; apply neem oil or spinosad; plant trap crops like radishes nearby
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Use floating row covers until plants are established; apply diatomaceous earth around crown; use sticky traps
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); row covers for prevention
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Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; reflective mulches
Uses
Roasting and Mashing
CulinaryAmerican Purple Top rutabagas develop a sweet, mild flavor when roasted or boiled. They're commonly mashed as a side dish or added to soups and stews for hearty winter meals. [source]
Root Vegetable Storage Crop
CulinaryThis variety is prized for its exceptional storage ability, keeping in root cellars for months. It becomes sweeter during storage as starches convert to sugars, improving flavor over time. [source]
Winter Food Preservation
HouseholdHistorically important as a reliable winter staple in cold climates, providing essential nutrients when fresh produce is unavailable. Can be stored in sand or sawdust in cool basements. [source]
Wildlife Forage
WildlifeThe nutritious foliage provides excellent feed for livestock, rabbits, and chickens. Greens are high in vitamins and minerals. [source]
Nutritional Benefits
MedicinalRutabagas are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They contain glucosinolates, compounds studied for potential anti-cancer properties in cruciferous vegetables. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when roots are 3-5 inches in diameter for best tenderness, though they can reach 6+ inches. Flavor improves after light frost as starches convert to sugars. Harvest by loosening soil around crown and pulling gently, or dig with a garden fork. Cut greens and roots separately, leaving 1 inch of stem on root. Store in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for up to 4-5 months; rutabagas store better than most root crops.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 American Purple Top was developed in America and became the standard rutabaga variety for home gardeners, valued for its reliability and sweet flavor.
- 🌱 Rutabagas were famously used as survival food during World War II when food shortages occurred, earning them the nickname 'the vegetable that saved lives'.
- 🌱 The purple crown at the top develops only where the root is exposed to light; the purple coloring is created by the same anthocyanin pigments found in blueberries.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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