When to plant Rutabaga in Vermillion County County,
Plant Rutabaga in Vermillion County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 31. Continue planting through April 21 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Rutabaga in Vermillion County, IN
Your June game plan for Vermillion County, Indiana
Here's what deserves your attention in Vermillion County, Indiana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start harvesting rutabaga
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: rutabaga
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.
Vermillion County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 719 feet, Vermillion County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season.
Vermillion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Rutabaga 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.
Soil Compatibility in Vermillion County
How your county's soil matches Rutabaga's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Rutabaga's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Vermillion County is excellent for Rutabaga — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Rutabaga.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Rutabaga will thrive.
How to Plant Rutabaga
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Rutabaga
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Rutabaga Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rutabaga
Rutabaga needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rutabaga Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Vermillion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rutabaga Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Rutabaga Planting Timeline — Vermillion County, IN
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
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 | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Vermillion County
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Vermillion County
Direct sow Rutabaga outdoors after April 14 in Vermillion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Rutabaga in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rutabaga in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rutabaga in Vermillion County, IN?
Vermillion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vermillion County, IN?
Vermillion County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Rutabaga in Vermillion County County, ?
In Vermillion County County, , plant Rutabaga after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Vermillion County County, for Rutabaga?
Vermillion County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Rutabaga grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rutabaga grow in Vermillion County County's climate?
Yes — Rutabaga grows well in Vermillion County County's temperate climate. Vermillion County County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 16.
Your Vermillion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Vermillion County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.