How to Grow Rutabaga American Purple Top

Rutabaga American Purple Top

Brassica napus subsp. rapifera

vegetable

American Purple Top is a classic rutabaga variety featuring a distinctive purple-tinged crown above a yellow flesh that is sweet and firm. This cool-season brassica is prized for its excellent storage qualities and reliable yields, making it a favorite for fall and winter gardening.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Consistent moisture; provide 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Drought stress can cause woody, tough roots. Water at the base to avoid fungal issues.

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Spacing: 6-8 inches

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Days to maturity: 85-110 days

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) sulfur if pH is too high

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-7

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge; plant develops its first true leaves with the characteristic blue-green color of brassicas

Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 true leaves appear. Keep soil consistently moist. Protect from heavy rain and wind damage.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple blue-green leaves in a rosette pattern; leaf production accelerates and plant begins to establish a strong root system

Maintain consistent watering and fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Monitor for cabbage moths and other brassica pests. Thin to full spacing if needed.

Root Development & Enlargement

6-8 weeks

The bulbous root begins to swell below the soil surface while foliage continues to grow; the purple-tinged crown becomes visible at soil level

Continue regular watering without allowing waterlogging. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer. Ensure good drainage to prevent rot. Remove any yellowing lower leaves.

Maturation

2-3 weeks

Root reaches full size (typically 4-6 inches diameter) with a smooth, firm texture; purple crown is fully developed and color deepens

Reduce fertilizer to avoid excessive leafy growth. Continue consistent watering. Monitor for late-season pests and diseases. Roots can stay in the ground in cool weather.

Harvest

Harvest window: 1-2 weeks, or extend by leaving in ground in cool climates

Root is firm, appropriately sized, and ready for lifting. Foliage remains green and vigorous.

Harvest before heavy frosts for storage. Loosen soil around plant and gently lift. Remove excess soil and trim tops to 1 inch. Cure in cool, humid location before storage.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Carrot onion beet spinach lettuce dill chamomile nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Tomato pepper fennel strawberry pole bean broccoli (too close spacing) cabbage (disease and pest pressure)

Common Pests

Use floating row covers at planting; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays; hand-pick larvae; encourage beneficial insects
Use row covers on young plants; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; diatomaceous earth on foliage; reflective mulches deter adults
Apply Bt spray; hand-pick caterpillars; use pheromone traps; encourage parasitic wasps and birds
Spray strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; release ladybugs; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Use row covers; apply diatomaceous earth around base; remove crop debris; practice crop rotation; use yellow sticky traps

Uses

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Roasting, mashing, and stews

Culinary

American Purple Top has sweet, tender yellow flesh that becomes creamy when roasted or boiled and mashed, similar to potatoes. It adds rich flavor to fall and winter soups, stews, and side dishes. [source]

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Raw preparation and salads

Culinary

Young, tender rutabagas can be peeled and sliced thin for crisp, slightly sweet additions to coleslaw and salads. The purple top crown offers visual appeal. [source]

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Long-term storage

Household

American Purple Top is specifically bred for excellent storage quality, remaining firm and flavorful for 4-5 months in cool storage. This makes it ideal for winter food security and homesteading. [source]

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Greens and tops

Culinary

The leafy tops are edible and nutritious, similar to kale or collard greens. Young leaves can be steamed or sautéed as a side vegetable. [source]

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Cold-season wildlife forage

Wildlife

Rutabagas left unharvested in fall gardens provide food for deer, rabbits, and other wildlife during scarce winter months. [source]

Harvest Tips

Harvest when roots are 4-6 inches in diameter and shoulders are firm to touch, typically 85-110 days after planting. In cold climates, harvest before hard freezes or leave in ground and mulch heavily for extended harvest. American Purple Top stores exceptionally well; cure roots in a cool (45-50°F), humid location for 2-3 weeks, then store in root cellar or refrigerator at 32-40°F for 4-5 months. Twist or cut off foliage, leaving 1 inch of stem.

Fun Facts

🌱 American Purple Top rutabagas were developed in North America in the early 20th century and quickly became the preferred variety for commercial growers and home gardeners due to their superior storage longevity and consistent quality.
🌱 Rutabagas are sometimes called 'Swedes' in the UK and 'neeps' in Scotland, where they are traditionally served mashed alongside haggis as part of the Burns Night celebration.
🌱 The purple pigmentation in the crown is due to anthocyanin compounds, the same beneficial antioxidants found in blueberries and red cabbage, which develop more intensely in cool fall weather.

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