When to Plant Rutabaga in Zone 5
In USDA zone 5a, start seeds indoors around March 3, transplant or plant outdoors April 7 to June 6, and expect your first harvest around June 6. Zone 5 also has a fall planting window opening around August 6. (5a shown here — see 5a and 5b dates separately below.)
Rutabaga planting calendar for USDA Zone 5a
Average last spring frost
May 5
Average first fall frost
October 1
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 3
Transplant outdoors
Apr 7
Projected first harvest
Jun 6
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jul 2
Transplant outdoors
Aug 6
Projected first harvest
Oct 5
spring planting
fall planting
Most rutabaga mature in about 50 to 90 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 149 frost-free days in zone 5a.
Rutabaga planting calendar for USDA Zone 5b
Average last spring frost
April 30
Average first fall frost
October 5
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Feb 26
Transplant outdoors
Apr 2
Projected first harvest
Jun 1
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jul 6
Transplant outdoors
Aug 10
Projected first harvest
Oct 9
spring planting
fall planting
Most rutabaga mature in about 50 to 90 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 158 frost-free days in zone 5b.
Not sure whether you're in 5a or 5b? 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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