When to Plant Rutabaga in USDA Zone 2b
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 2b, the average last spring frost is around May 22 and the first fall frost is around September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Zone 2b
Where Is USDA Zone 2b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 2b. Click any state to see the Rutabaga planting schedule for that location.
Rutabaga Planting Calendar — Zone 2b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | August 7 | Aug 7 – Sep 11 |
| Fall Sowing | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 2b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 2b 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
-45°F to -40°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
111 days (Zone 2b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Zone 2b
Zone 2b has a short growing season (~111 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
Level Up Your Garden
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 2b?
In Zone 2b, plan your Rutabaga planting around the average last frost date of May 22. Direct sow outdoors around May 15.
Can Rutabaga grow in Zone 2b?
Yes, Rutabaga can grow well in Zone 2b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 9b. Zone 2b has a growing season of approximately 111 days, which is sufficient for Rutabaga (80-100 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Rutabaga in Zone 2b?
In Zone 2b, expect to harvest Rutabaga from August 7 – September 11. Rutabaga takes 80-100 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 2b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2b is around May 22, and the first fall frost is around September 10. This gives a growing season of approximately 111 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.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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