Rutabaga Seeds - Joan (Organic)
90-100 days. Brassica napus. Organic Joan Rutabaga Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated rutabaga seeds. Joan is a refined rutabaga variety prized for its smooth, round, highly uniform roots with creamy white skin and purple shoulders. The dense, cream-colored flesh is firm and crisp with a sweet, mild flavor that only improves after a frost, making it a favorite for roasted root medleys and hearty winter dishes. Developed in Wales for tolerance of cold, wet soils, Joan shows good field resistance to clubroot and stores exceptionally well into the winter months. ~10,000 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF (opens in a new tab)
Growing Organic Joan Rutabaga in the Vegetable Garden
Direct-sow Organic Joan seeds 0.25 to 0.5 inch deep in mid to late summer, timing planting so roots mature during cool fall weather. Space seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart, then thin seedlings to a final spacing of 4 to 6 inches once they have a few true leaves.
Keep soil consistently and evenly moist throughout the growing season, since inconsistent watering can cause roots to split or become woody. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization, which encourages leafy top growth at the expense of root development.
Harvesting Joan Rutabaga
For the best flavor, wait to harvest until after at least one or two hard frosts, which sweetens the roots considerably. Roots are ready when they reach 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Lift roots gently with a garden fork to avoid damaging the skin, then trim the tops for long-term storage.
About Organic Joan Rutabaga Garden Seeds
Joan was developed in Wales, bred specifically to hold up well in cold weather and soggy soils.
This variety earned top honors in a blind taste test of 700 participants at the 2013 Organicology Conference, beating out turnips, beets, carrots, and other rutabaga varieties for best flavor.
Its smooth, uniform roots and reliable cold tolerance have made it a favorite among northern growers looking for a dependable winter storage crop.
Tips From Our Gardeners
Don't rush the harvest on this one. We've found the flavor really does keep improving with each frost, so it's worth leaving roots in the ground a little longer than feels natural before pulling them.
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Organic Joan Rutabaga Seeds Per Package:
- 4 g Packet - Approximately 1,410 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 160,000 Seeds
Organic Joan Rutabaga seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping (opens in a new tab) on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Brassica napus |
| Rutabaga Color: | Creamy white skin with purple shoulders; dense cream-colored flesh. |
| Rutabaga Flavor: | Sweet and mild, improving in flavor after a frost. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Days to Maturity: | 90-100 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 to 0.5 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 4-6 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Deep, loose, fertile, well-draining soil with moderate nitrogen levels, pH 6.0 to 7.5. |
| Temperature Preference: | Cooler, 45-75 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes |
| Start Indoors: | No |
| Plant Width: | 12-18 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 45-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Good field resistance to clubroot. Watch for cabbage looper, imported cabbageworm, diamondback moth, cabbage root maggot, and flea beetles. |
| Garden Size: | Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Fields |
| Climate Tolerance: | Cold, humidity. |