When to Plant Rutabaga in Franklin County, WA
Franklin County, Washington gardeners: here's your May plan
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
Franklin County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,556 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Rutabaga during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Rutabaga successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
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 Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Rutabaga's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) overlaps with Rutabaga's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Rutabaga — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.5%) — 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 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 14.
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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 1.2" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3" | 1" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.6" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 0.2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 0.3" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 0.6" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.2" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin 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 — Franklin County, WA
Rutabaga Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Rutabaga in Franklin County
Direct sow Rutabaga outdoors after April 13 in Franklin 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 Franklin County, WA?
Franklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Rutabaga planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, WA?
Franklin County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.