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When to Plant Rutabaga in Arkansas

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.

Arkansas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a (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.

Rutabaga Planting Calendar for Arkansas

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
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Jul 17
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30
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
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 8
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 6
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
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 1
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 – Sep 13
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 15
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jun 21
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 – Sep 23

Growing Tips for Arkansas

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 Arkansas?

Planting dates for Rutabaga in Arkansas depend on your USDA zone. Arkansas spans zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Arkansas for planting?

Arkansas contains USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. 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.