When to Plant Rutabaga in Union 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.
Union County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 2,751 feet, Union County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
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 — Union County, OR
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 25 |
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 | Fall Sowing 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 5b
Growing Season
137 days
Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, OR?
Union County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, OR?
Union County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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