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When to Plant Rutabaga in Curry County, OR

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.

Curry County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 295 feet, Curry County receives approximately 53.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rutabaga root diseases.

Curry County, OR (Zone 9a) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Curry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Jul 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Sep 2

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 192 gal / 100 sq ft
Rutabaga needs ~1,710 GDD — county provides 4,655 GDD Excellent fit

Rutabaga Planting Timeline โ€” Curry County, OR

Rutabaga Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 21
Fall Sowing September 26 Sep 26 โ€“ Oct 10
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 27

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Direct Sow
March Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

80โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

245 days

Growing Tips for Curry 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

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rutabaga in Curry County, OR?

Curry County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Curry County, OR?

Curry County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Curry County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Curry County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.