When to Plant Rutabaga in USDA Zone 6b
Your April game plan for Zone 6b
Here's what deserves your attention in Zone 6b this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Direct-sow rutabaga
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
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 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 3 and the first fall frost is around October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Zone 6b
Where Is USDA Zone 6b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 6b. Click any state to see the Rutabaga planting schedule for that location.
Rutabaga Planting Calendar — Zone 6b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 6b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 6b 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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
205 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Rutabaga in Zone
Sow every 9.1 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~205 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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
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Saving Rutabaga Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
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 6b?
In Zone 6b, plan your Rutabaga planting around the average last frost date of April 3. Direct sow outdoors around March 20.
Can Rutabaga grow in Zone 6b?
Yes, Rutabaga can grow well in Zone 6b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 9b. Zone 6b has a growing season of approximately 205 days, which is sufficient for Rutabaga (80-100 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Rutabaga in Zone 6b?
In Zone 6b, expect to harvest Rutabaga from June 12 – July 17. Rutabaga takes 80-100 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 6b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 6b is around April 3, and the first fall frost is around October 25. This gives a growing season of approximately 205 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 Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.