Rutabaga in Zone 9a & 9b
Brassica napus var. napobrassica
When to plant rutabaga in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Rutabaga doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 19–Apr 26 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 18–Jul 25 (~90 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Rutabaga is a cross between cabbage and turnip, grown for its dense, sweet-fleshed root. Unlike most vegetables in this guide, it isn't planted off the spring last-frost date at all. It's sown in summer, timed backward from the fall harvest you want.
How rutabaga fits zone 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Rutabaga needs about 90 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Rutabaga.
Where to buy rutabaga seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing rutabaga" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Rutabaga in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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