When to Plant Rutabaga in Wallowa County, OR
May in Wallowa County, Oregon — your action list
Your garden in Wallowa County, Oregon is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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.
Wallowa County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 1,240 feet, Wallowa County receives approximately 22.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season.
Wallowa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Wallowa County
How your county's soil matches Rutabaga's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.2) is more acidic than Rutabaga prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wallowa 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 (5.4%) — Rutabaga will thrive.
How to Plant Rutabaga
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant 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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 1.3" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0.4" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0.4" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Wallowa 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 — Wallowa County, OR
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 24 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Wallowa County
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Wallowa County
Direct sow Rutabaga outdoors after May 11 in Wallowa 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 Wallowa County, OR?
Wallowa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wallowa County, OR?
Wallowa County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Wallowa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wallowa County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.