Description

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Laurentian Rutabaga Seeds – Canada’s Heritage Root Vegetable

A proud Canadian heritage variety bred in 1920s Quebec specifically for northern resilience and winter survival. Laurentian rutabaga produces dense, sweet, golden flesh with distinctive purple crowns. This is the gold standard for cold hardiness, disease resistance, and exceptional storage quality across Canada.

Why Choose Laurentian Rutabaga?

Developed at McGill University’s Macdonald College in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, this variety was bred explicitly for Canadian growing conditions. Unlike imported rutabaga varieties, Laurentian understands Canadian soil, Canadian weather, and the critical need for reliable winter sustenance. It sweetens beautifully after frost and stores 4-6 months in root cellars, providing true winter security from first frost to spring thaw.

The Laurentian’s dense, golden flesh is sweeter and less bitter than other rutabaga varieties, making it exceptional for mashing, roasting, stews, or traditional Québécois ragoût de pattes. Young greens are also edible.

Growing Laurentian Rutabaga

• Days to Maturity: 90-100 days from direct seeding
• Planting: Late spring to early summer (May-June) for fall harvest
• Soil: Deep, fertile, well-draining soil with pH 5.5-7.0
• Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily
• Water: Consistent moisture; mulch heavily to retain moisture
• Harvest: After first frost when roots reach 4-6 inches diameter
• Storage: 4-6 months in cool root cellar (32-40°F)
• Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (bred for Canadian climates)

Canadian Legacy

From Quebec root cellars to Maritime farmhouses, Laurentian rutabaga has sustained generations through harsh winters. This is a deliberate act of agricultural sovereignty—a Canadian-bred variety that became a national treasure, trusted by farmers and home gardeners across the country.

Discover the full heritage story of this remarkable Canadian variety in our blog.