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When to Plant Rutabaga in British Columbia

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.

British Columbia spans USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b (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 British Columbia

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
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 8
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 – Aug 13
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
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 1
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18
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
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Jul 24
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25
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
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Harvest May 6 May 6 – Jun 10
Fall Sowing September 19 Sep 19 – Oct 3
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow January 20 Jan 20 – Feb 10
Harvest April 14 Apr 14 – May 19
Fall Sowing October 15 Oct 15 – Oct 29
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 25
Harvest March 29 Mar 29 – May 3
Fall Sowing October 25 Oct 25 – Nov 8

Growing Tips for British Columbia

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 British Columbia?

Planting dates for Rutabaga in British Columbia depend on your USDA zone. British Columbia spans zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is British Columbia for planting?

British Columbia contains USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. 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.