Gilfeather

Rutabaga

Zone 10a Save Garden

🌱 110d to harvest Rosette

Sweet, mellow, and deeply earthy—Gilfeather rutabaga develops a rich, buttery flavor with a tender, fine-grained bite that feels …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 16th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 16th
Harvest Begins	May 6th
Harvest Ends	Dec 19th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
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)	30
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Dragon Carrot Carrot

Spring Pea

Blue Pod Capucijner Pea

Napa Carrot

White Sweet Spanish Onion

Nantes Coreless Carrot

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Brassica napus var. napobrassica (gilfeather), and how can I control it?

Gilfeather (a Brassica napus turnip-type) is commonly hit by clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae), which causes swollen, distorted roots and stunted growth. Improve control by avoiding brassicas in the same bed for several years, and keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—then water at the soil line and remove infected plants promptly to reduce spread.

How often should I water gilfeather during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the main bulbing phase, water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, keeping the top 6–8 inches of soil consistently moist. Let the surface dry slightly between waterings, but don’t allow the root zone to swing from dry to saturated, which can slow root thickening and increase cracking or disease pressure.

How can I tell when gilfeather is ready to harvest at around 110 days?

Harvest when roots reach useful size and the base of the plant looks full, typically near the 110-day mark from sowing. For best tenderness, start checking earlier by gently brushing soil away at the crown; harvest promptly once the roots are firm and well-formed, and avoid letting them overstay because quality can decline.

Sweet, mellow, and deeply earthy—Gilfeather rutabaga develops a rich, buttery flavor with a tender, fine-grained bite that feels velvety from the first forkful. Its rounded shoulders and smooth skin promise uniform roots, while the dense flesh holds its character for comforting roasts, hearty mash, and silky sauces. Grow Gilfeather for a dependable 110-day season that rewards with dependable texture and a satisfying, slow-simmer depth in every harvest basket.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 30°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For rutabaga flavor at its best, grow it for cool-season size and plan to let bulbs mature after at least one light frost.