When to Plant Rutabaga in Ramsey 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.
Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 1,059 feet, Ramsey County receives approximately 38.6 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.
Ramsey County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 — Ramsey County, MN
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Aug 13 |
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 4a
Growing Season
169 days
Growing Tips for Ramsey 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 Ramsey County, MN?
Ramsey County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ramsey County, MN?
Ramsey County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ramsey County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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