When to Plant Rutabaga in Nicollet County, MN
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.
Nicollet County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 1,356 feet, Nicollet County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rutabaga to ensure they mature before fall.
Nicollet County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Nicollet County, MN
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for Nicollet 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 Nicollet County, MN?
Nicollet County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nicollet County, MN?
Nicollet County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nicollet County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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