Rutabaga
Dates below are counted from the average last spring frost or the average first fall frost. Enter a ZIP in the calendar for NOAA 1991–2020 station averages, or pick a zone and use the zone table.
When to plant
Soil and site
Firm, fertile soil, pH 6.0–6.8. A boron-deficient bed causes brown heart — a dusting of borax per label rates prevents it.
Seedlings
Thin to 6–8 in once seedlings have true leaves; rutabagas need real elbow room to bulb.
In the garden
The longest-season root in the fall garden — get it in on time. Steady water prevents woody roots.
Picking
Best after a few frosts, around 3–5 in. Stores for months in a cool cellar or fridge.
Gear placeholders
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Dates by zone
These pages turn the same frost offsets into calendar dates for each zone the calendar covers.