When to Plant Rutabaga in Zone 3
In USDA zone 3a, start seeds indoors around March 28, transplant or plant outdoors May 2 to July 1, and expect your first harvest around July 1. Zone 3 also has a fall planting window opening around July 16. (3a shown here — see 3a and 3b dates separately below.)
Rutabaga planting calendar for USDA Zone 3a
Average last spring frost
May 30
Average first fall frost
September 10
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 28
Transplant outdoors
May 2
Projected first harvest
Jul 1
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jun 11
Transplant outdoors
Jul 16
Projected first harvest
Sep 14
spring planting
fall planting
Most rutabaga mature in about 50 to 90 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 103 frost-free days in zone 3a.
Rutabaga planting calendar for USDA Zone 3b
Average last spring frost
May 20
Average first fall frost
September 15
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 18
Transplant outdoors
Apr 22
Projected first harvest
Jun 21
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jun 16
Transplant outdoors
Jul 21
Projected first harvest
Sep 19
spring planting
fall planting
Most rutabaga mature in about 50 to 90 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 118 frost-free days in zone 3b.
Not sure whether you're in 3a or 3b? Set your ZIP in HomeSown for dates tuned to your exact location.
Varieties to grow
3 varieties of rutabaga in the HomeSown library. Tap any for its full grow guide.
Common problems with rutabaga
What to watch for, with identification and treatment for each
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