When to plant rutabaga in New Jersey
New Jersey spans USDA zones 6b–8a, so the right time to plant rutabaga shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 12 in Atlantic City to April 16 in Hillsborough — below are local dates for 158 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 7b | April 4 | November 6 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Jersey City | 7b | April 4 | November 6 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Paterson | 7a | April 15 | October 28 | April 1 – April 29 |
| Elizabeth | 7b | April 2 | November 10 | March 19 – April 16 |
| Toms River | 7a | April 23 | October 20 | April 9 – May 7 |
| Trenton | 7a | April 17 | October 28 | April 3 – May 1 |
| Clifton | 7a | April 15 | October 28 | April 1 – April 29 |
| Bayonne | 7b | April 2 | November 10 | March 19 – April 16 |
Rutabaga in New Jersey: FAQ
When can I plant rutabaga in New Jersey?
Across New Jersey, the time to direct-sow rutabaga spans roughly March 12 in Atlantic City to April 16 in Hillsborough, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the rutabaga planting date vary across New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey publishes 158 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 New Jersey?
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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