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When to Plant Rutabaga in Alaska

Rutabagas are a cross between turnips and cabbage, producing large yellow-fleshed roots with a sweet, mild flavor. They are excellent mashed, roasted, or in stews.

Alaska spans USDA hardiness zones 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Rutabaga planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Rutabaga Planting Calendar for Alaska

Zone 2a ~94 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 30 · First frost: September 1 · 94 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 23 May 23 – Jun 13
Fall Sowing June 9 Jun 9 – Jun 23
Harvest August 15 Aug 15 – Sep 19
Zone 2b ~111 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 22 · First frost: September 10 · 111 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 15 May 15 – Jun 5
Fall Sowing June 18 Jun 18 – Jul 2
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 – Sep 11
Zone 3a ~123 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 15 · First frost: September 15 · 123 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Fall Sowing June 23 Jun 23 – Jul 7
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 – Sep 4
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Aug 26
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Fall Sowing July 11 Jul 11 – Jul 25
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Aug 21
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 – Aug 13
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 8
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 1
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Jul 24
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 10
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 17
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 – Apr 1
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 6
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 8
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 – Sep 13
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 1

Growing Tips for Alaska

Direct sow in early summer for fall harvest. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Flavor improves significantly after a few light frosts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rutabaga in Alaska?

Planting dates for Rutabaga in Alaska depend on your USDA zone. Alaska spans zones 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Alaska for planting?

Alaska contains USDA hardiness zones 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.