Magres

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Sweetly earthy and gently peppered, Magres rutabaga forms a smooth, uniform bulb with a rich, warm interior that tastes like a mellowed root—never harsh.

The flesh stays tender and fine-grained, holding its integrity for roasting and mashing, and it also shines when sliced for hearty braises and robust winter-style sides. Grow Magres for a dependable 90-day harvest and a satisfying, velvety bite that turns cold-weather meals into comfort.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Magres rutabaga tastes like winter root that’s been softened—sweet earth with a restrained pepper bite—so it doesn’t need a lot of rescue. Roast or mash it and you’ll get that velvety, fine-grained texture that holds its shape in braises instead of turning watery.

Best Uses

roasting wedges until caramel-browned at the edges while the center goes buttery
mashing for a smooth, spoonable mash (no harshness)
braising slices in a hearty, low-simmer sauce
thickening soups and stews for a creamy body without dairy

Flavor Profile

sweetly earthy mellow, gently peppered fine-grained tender bite velvety when mashed stays intact when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

butter heavy cream thyme bacon mustard black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease issue for Brassica napus var. napobrassica (magres), and how do I treat it?

A frequent problem is clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), which causes swollen, deformed roots and sudden wilting. Prevent it by not growing Brassicaceae in the same spot for several years, and keep soil from staying waterlogged; if you’ve had clubroot before, incorporate lime as directed by a soil test and avoid adding fresh compost that can spread inoculum. If you suspect early infection, remove and discard affected plants (don’t compost) and replant only in a different bed after improving soil pH.

How often should I water magres during the main growing phase (root bulbing)?

During the main bulbing phase, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings during hot spells. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to protect brassica roots from rot. Mulch helps stabilize moisture so the developing roots don’t split from swings between dry and wet.

How can I tell when magres is ready to harvest?

Harvest about 80–90 days after sowing when the roots reach a firm, usable size and the foliage is still mostly green. If you can see the root shoulders at the soil surface, they should feel solid when gently pressed—avoid waiting until the root becomes hollow or overly woody. For best texture, pull on a dry day and cure only if you’re storing; otherwise use promptly after harvest.