When to Plant Rutabaga in USDA Zone 7a
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 7a, the average last spring frost is around March 25 and the first fall frost is around November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Zone 7a
Where Is USDA Zone 7a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7a. Click any state to see the Rutabaga planting schedule for that location.
Rutabaga Planting Calendar — Zone 7a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 8 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 7a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7a 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
0°F to 5°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
221 days (Zone 7a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 15 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 24 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 7a
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
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
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rutabaga in Zone 7a?
In Zone 7a, plan your Rutabaga planting around the average last frost date of March 25. Direct sow outdoors around March 11.
Can Rutabaga grow in Zone 7a?
Yes, Rutabaga can grow well in Zone 7a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 9b. Zone 7a has a growing season of approximately 221 days, which is sufficient for Rutabaga (80-100 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Rutabaga in Zone 7a?
In Zone 7a, expect to harvest Rutabaga from June 3 – July 8. Rutabaga takes 80-100 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 7a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7a is around March 25, and the first fall frost is around November 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 221 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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