When to Plant Rutabaga in North Dakota
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.
North Dakota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.
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Click your county for exact Rutabaga planting dates based on your local frost dates.
Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.
Rutabaga Planting Calendar for North Dakota
▸ Zone 3a ~123 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 15 · First frost: September 15 · 123 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 4 |
| Fall Sowing | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
▸ Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Aug 30 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
▸ Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Aug 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Growing Tips for North Dakota
Direct sow in early summer for fall harvest. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Flavor improves significantly after a few light frosts.
Rutabaga in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rutabaga in North Dakota?
Planting dates for Rutabaga in North Dakota depend on your USDA zone. North Dakota spans zones 3a, 3b, 4a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is North Dakota for planting?
North Dakota contains USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a. 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.