When to plant rutabaga in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant rutabaga shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 17 in Shively to April 17 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | March 23 – April 20 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | March 30 – April 27 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | March 22 – April 19 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | March 19 – April 16 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 2 – April 30 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | April 4 – May 2 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 1 – April 29 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | April 4 – May 2 |
Rutabaga in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant rutabaga in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to direct-sow rutabaga spans roughly March 17 in Shively to April 17 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the rutabaga planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right rutabaga planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does rutabaga take to grow in Kentucky?
Rutabaga takes about 90–110 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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