When to Plant Rutabaga in Zone 8
In USDA zone 8a, start seeds indoors around January 28, transplant or plant outdoors March 4 to May 3, and expect your first harvest around May 3. Zone 8 also has a fall planting window opening around September 15. (8a shown here — see 8a and 8b dates separately below.)
Rutabaga planting calendar for USDA Zone 8a
Average last spring frost
April 1
Average first fall frost
November 10
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Jan 28
Transplant outdoors
Mar 4
Projected first harvest
May 3
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Aug 11
Transplant outdoors
Sep 15
Projected first harvest
Nov 14
spring planting
fall planting
Most rutabaga mature in about 50 to 90 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 223 frost-free days in zone 8a.
Rutabaga planting calendar for USDA Zone 8b
Average last spring frost
March 20
Average first fall frost
November 20
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Jan 16
Transplant outdoors
Feb 20
Projected first harvest
Apr 21
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Aug 21
Transplant outdoors
Sep 25
Projected first harvest
Nov 24
spring planting
fall planting
Most rutabaga mature in about 50 to 90 days depending on the variety, needing roughly 245 frost-free days in zone 8b.
Not sure whether you're in 8a or 8b? 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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