When to Plant Rutabaga in USDA Zone 2a
This month in Zone 2a
Here's what deserves your attention in Zone 2a this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 2a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Direct-sow rutabaga for cool weather
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
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.
In Zone 2a, the average last spring frost is around May 30 and the first fall frost is around September 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Zone 2a
Where Is USDA Zone 2a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 2a. Click any state to see the Rutabaga planting schedule for that location.
Rutabaga Planting Calendar — Zone 2a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Sep 19 |
| Fall Sowing | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 2a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 2a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
80–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Zone Temperature Range
-50°F to -45°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
94 days (Zone 2a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Zone 2a
Zone 2a has a short growing season (~94 days). Start Rutabaga indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
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Saving Rutabaga Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Rutabaga in Other Zones
Rutabaga by State
- 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
- North Dakota
- 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 Zone 2a?
In Zone 2a, plan your Rutabaga planting around the average last frost date of May 30. Direct sow outdoors around May 23.
Can Rutabaga grow in Zone 2a?
Yes, Rutabaga can grow well in Zone 2a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 9b. Zone 2a has a growing season of approximately 94 days, which is sufficient for Rutabaga (80-100 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Rutabaga in Zone 2a?
In Zone 2a, expect to harvest Rutabaga from August 15 – September 19. Rutabaga takes 80-100 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 2a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2a is around May 30, and the first fall frost is around September 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 94 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Rutabaga?
Good companion plants for Rutabaga include Peas, Onion, Carrots. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Zone 2a Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 2a. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.