What indicates rutabagas are ready for harvest?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.The readiness of the rutabaga for harvesting can be determined by three key indicators. They can be evaluated by root diameter, shoulder color, and the way the leaves are behaving. My first harvest blunder - as I did not check all three - resulted in harvesting and pulling roots that were too small too early; they were bland and also never became sweet!
Root Size
- 3-5 inch diameter ensures full development
- Measure at soil level with calipers
- Smaller roots lack sweetness, larger ones turn woody
Color Shift
- Purple tops fade to buttery yellow
- Shoulders visible above soil transition first
- Indicates sugar concentration complete
Leaf Signals
- Base leaves yellow naturally at maturity
- Remove 2-3 leaves weekly for accuracy
- Sudden yellowing may indicate disease, not ripeness
The timing of frost influences one's harvest decisions. Light frost (#1-3) will improve the sweetness of the crop while two or three consecutive hard freezes under 20°F (-7°C) require action that day. After the first frost, I usually leave 60% of my crop, using burlap to cover the crop if there is a cold snap to keep the car safe. This left me with approximately three days before I'd have to harvest the crop.
The preparation for storage starts at harvest. Use a spading fork with tines angled 8 inches from the plants to lift the roots without bruising. My grandfather had a very good idea, which was to twist your wrist a little as you lifted the plants. You can reduce the change of stem breakage from your fork motion, by approximately seventy percent, by preserving the layer of skin intact during the transplanting process to protect the roots for long-term storage.
Cure harvested roots in 60°F (15°C) shade for 10 days for thickened skins. I place them on wooden slats in my garage and turn them every day. This did allow for 20% of my last harvest with minor cuts to heal and those compromised roots could be saved.
Read the full article: How to Grow Rutabagas: Expert Guide for Home Gardeners
