Growing Rutabaga in Containers: Pot Size, Soil Mix, and Yield Tips

ByStephen Albert

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Rutabaga isn’t the first vegetable gardeners think of for container growing, but after experimenting with root crops in pots over many years, I’ve learned that rutabaga can grow well in containers—if you give it the right depth, the right soil structure, and steady moisture. Container-grown rutabagas won’t be as large as those in raised beds, but they’re excellent for small-space gardens, patios, and sunny decks.

Here’s exactly how I grow rutabaga successfully in containers, based on what works in my Sonoma Valley climate.

Best Container Size for Rutabaga

If there’s one non-negotiable for rutabaga in pots, it’s depth.

Minimum container size:

  • Depth: 12–14 inches
  • Width: 12 inches or wider
  • Volume: At least 5 gallons per plant

My preferred setup:

  • 10–15 gallon containers with 2–3 plants spaced evenly
    These produce the roundest, most uniformly sized roots.

Rutabaga roots swell like oversized turnips; shallow containers will restrict size or produce misshapen roots.

Ideal Soil Mix for Container Rutabaga

Rutabaga needs a loose, moisture-retentive, oxygen-rich soil—more forgiving than carrot soil but still airy enough to let the root expand without resistance.

My container soil mix (proven):

  • 50% high-quality potting mix
  • 25% compost (not too rich; well-aged only)
  • 25% coconut coir or peat moss for moisture retention
  • Optional: a handful of perlite for extra drainage

Why this blend works:

Raised beds drain fast, but containers dry even faster.
This mix holds moisture without becoming soggy and gives rutabaga the loose structure its roots demand.

How to Plant Rutabaga in Containers

Seed depth:

Sow seeds ½ inch deep.

Sowing method:

  • Broadcast 10–12 seeds across the container surface
  • Once seedlings emerge, thin aggressively

Final spacing in containers:

  • 1 plant per 5-gallon pot,
  • 2–3 plants per 10–15 gallon pot, spaced like a triangle

The more space you give each plant, the larger the roots.

Watering Rutabaga in Pots

Container rutabaga needs much more consistent moisture than in-ground or raised-bed plantings.

My watering schedule:

  • During germination: Light water twice daily if hot
  • After seedlings establish: Deep water every 1–2 days
  • During root swelling: Water deeply every day in warm weather; every 2–3 days in cool weather

The biggest rutabagas I’ve grown in pots came from never letting the soil fully dry out.

Mulch helps tremendously

I add a thin ½-inch layer of straw or shredded leaves to reduce evaporation.

Feeding Rutabaga in Containers

Container crops need more nutrition than in-ground crops because nutrients wash out quickly.

My feeding strategy:

  • Mix a balanced organic fertilizer (such as 5-5-5) into the soil at planting
  • Side-dress lightly with compost around week 4
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers

Too much nitrogen produces large leafy tops and small roots—especially exaggerated in container culture.

Expected Yields From Container Rutabaga

Your harvest will depend on spacing and container size.

Typical yield:

  • 5-gallon pot: One rutabaga, 3–4 inches
  • 10-gallon pot: Two rutabagas, 3–5 inches each
  • 15-gallon pot: Three rutabagas, often 4–6 inches

In my experience, container-grown rutabaga flavors beautifully in winter—even if the roots are slightly smaller than bed-grown crops.

Tips From My Garden for Better Results

1. Start earlier in containers

Soil in pots warms faster, allowing slightly earlier sowing.

2. Rotate the container

This ensures even sunlight and prevents lopsided root growth.

3. Keep containers shaded during heatwaves

Rutabaga will bolt early if heat-stressed.

4. Use large containers whenever possible

Root crops need room—volume directly influences size.

5. Overplant, then thin hard

Crowded containers always produce small, woody roots.

Final Takeaway

Rutabaga can grow surprisingly well in containers when you give it depth, a loose soil mix, even moisture, and correct spacing. While roots may be slightly smaller than those grown in raised beds, the flavor remains excellent—especially when the plants mature into cool fall and winter weather.

Rutabaga Learning Hub

Start here: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Rutabaga: A Complete Guide

Planting, Timing & Setup

Care, Water & Feeding

Companions & Intercropping

Pests, Diseases & Troubleshooting

Harvest, Storage & Kitchen

Varieties & Background

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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