Rutabaga American Purple Top Seed
Best reliable root vegetable for home gardeners seeking winter storage.
Discover the classic American Purple Top Rutabaga, a dependable open-pollinated variety perfect for your garden. This biennial vegetable is celebrated for its large roots, featuring distinctive purple tops and creamy yellow flesh ideal for fresh eating, market sales, or winter storage. Known for robust germination and sweet bulbs, it's an easy-to-grow choice for a traditional, high-quality harvest. Suitable for both spring and fall planting, it thrives in full sun and moderate watering conditions.
$5.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 6090
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Soil Temperature
6065
/ -°F
Who it's for
- Cool-climate gardeners looking for frost-hardy vegetable varieties
- Home gardeners and market growers seeking consistent, high-volume harvests
- Homesteaders planning for long-term winter food storage
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with short, limited growing seasons
- Beginners unable to commit to regular pest monitoring
- Gardeners in arid climates without reliable irrigation systems
Performance breakdown
Germination Reliability
Consistent sprout rates make this a dependable choice for any gardener.
Storage Longevity
Exceptional root quality ensures these vegetables hold up well through winter.
Culinary Versatility
Creamy, sweet flesh performs beautifully in both fresh and cooked dishes.
Growth Simplicity
Straightforward direct-sow requirements make this variety accessible for beginners.
Market Appeal
Classic appearance and uniform size satisfy the demands of local markets.
Seasonal Flexibility
Adaptable planting windows allow for successful harvests in spring and fall.
Key Specs
Soil Temperature
60-65°F
Germination Lighting
Cover Seed
Germination Days
5-10 Days
Seeding Depth
0.5-0.75"
Maturation Days
90 Days
Planting Method
Direct Sow
Spacing in Row
5-8"
Spacing Between Rows
2-3'
Features
- Large roots with purple tops
- Creamy yellow, fine-textured flesh
- Excellent for winter storage
- Reliable, old-timer variety
- Highly rated by customers
- Suitable for market sales
- Open-pollinated seeds
What customers say
Customers highly value the reliability and quality of the Harris Seeds Rutabaga American Purple Top Seed. Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional germination rates, confirming strong seed viability. The resulting rutabagas are frequently described as large, uniform, and delivering the expected sweet, earthy flavor. A key benefit noted by many is the excellent storage capability of the harvested roots, supporting long term food security. Plants are generally vigorous and manageable for gardeners providing the appropriate cool growing conditions. This seed offers dependable, high yielding results, providing excellent value for both new and experienced growers seeking a trustworthy heirloom crop.
Know before you buy
Yes, these seeds are designed for direct sowing. Simply plant them at a depth of 0.5 to 0.75 inches once your soil temperature reaches between 60-65°F.
You can expect to harvest your rutabagas approximately 90 days after planting. They are suitable for both spring and fall crops, allowing for flexibility in your garden schedule.
Yes, this variety is highly regarded for its excellent storage capabilities. Once harvested, the roots hold up well, making them a great choice for keeping through the winter months.
For optimal growth, space your plants 5 to 8 inches apart within the row, with 2 to 3 feet of space between each row. This spacing ensures the roots have enough room to develop their signature size.
These plants thrive in full sun and require moderate, consistent watering. Ensuring they receive adequate light and moisture will help produce the best flavor and texture in the creamy yellow flesh.
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$5