When to Plant Rutabaga in Zone 4
In USDA zone 4a, start seeds indoors around March 13, transplant or plant outdoors April 17 to June 16, and expect your first harvest around June 16. Zone 4 also has a fall planting window opening around July 26. (4a shown here — see 4a and 4b dates separately below.)
Rutabaga planting calendar for USDA Zone 4a
Average last spring frost
May 15
Average first fall frost
September 20
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 13
Transplant outdoors
Apr 17
Projected first harvest
Jun 16
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jun 21
Transplant outdoors
Jul 26
Projected first harvest
Sep 24
spring planting
fall planting
Most rutabaga mature in about 50 to 90 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 128 frost-free days in zone 4a.
Rutabaga planting calendar for USDA Zone 4b
Average last spring frost
May 10
Average first fall frost
September 25
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 8
Transplant outdoors
Apr 12
Projected first harvest
Jun 11
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jun 26
Transplant outdoors
Jul 31
Projected first harvest
Sep 29
spring planting
fall planting
Most rutabaga mature in about 50 to 90 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 138 frost-free days in zone 4b.
Not sure whether you're in 4a or 4b? 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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