When to Plant Rutabaga in Anne Arundel County, MD
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.
Anne Arundel County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 435 feet, Anne Arundel County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season.
Anne Arundel County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Anne Arundel County, MD
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
214 days
Growing Tips for Anne Arundel County
Direct sow in early summer for fall harvest. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Flavor improves significantly after a few light frosts.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Rutabaga in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rutabaga in Anne Arundel County, MD?
Anne Arundel County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anne Arundel County, MD?
Anne Arundel County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Anne Arundel County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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