Cairns Family Heirloom Rutabaga Seeds - Preserve Tradition with Flavorful Rutabagas from the Cairns Family Heirloom Line

Here's a detailed growing guide for Cairns Family Heirloom Rutabaga Seeds to help you cultivate a flavorful and traditional root crop:

Key Attributes:

• Product Name: Cairns Family Heirloom Rutabaga Seeds
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated
• Root Color: Creamy yellow with purple tops
• Growth Habit: Biennial (grown as an annual)
• Available Quantities: 100, 500, or 1000 seeds per pack
• Mature Size: 4-6 inches in diameter
• Days to Maturity: 90-110 days
• Light Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile, loamy soil rich in organic matter (pH 5.5–7.0)
• Uses: Roasting, mashing, stews, soups, and winter storage

Product Details:

• Germination Rate: High for reliable growth
• Seed Freshness: Newly harvested for optimal germination
• Origin: Sustainably sourced heirloom variety
• Shelf Life: Best planted within one year for maximum viability

Planting Instructions:

Seed Preparation:

• No special preparation required.
• Optional: Pre-soak seeds in warm water for 4-6 hours to improve germination.

Sowing Guidelines:

Direct Sowing (Recommended):

• Best sown mid-to-late summer for a fall harvest, as rutabagas prefer cooler temperatures.
• Sow ½ inch deep, spacing seeds 2 inches apart in rows.
• Space rows 12-18 inches apart.
• Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart once they reach 2-3 inches tall to allow proper root development.

Germination:

• Typically occurs within 7-14 days under optimal conditions.
• Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.

Care & Maintenance:

• Watering: Provide regular, deep watering to prevent cracking and bitterness.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost at planting and mid-season.
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Pest Control: Watch for flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots; use row covers if necessary.
• Succession Planting: Plant every 3-4 weeks for a continuous supply.

Harvesting & Storage:

• Harvest when roots are 4-6 inches in diameter and firm.
• Cut tops 1 inch above the root and remove excess soil.
• Store in a cool, humid place (32-40°F) for several months.
• Can be left in the ground with mulch protection for extended harvesting in winter.