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When to Plant Rutabaga in Wichita Falls, Texas (76310)

Location

Wichita Falls, Texas

ZIP Code

76310

USDA Zone

8a

Last Frost

Friday, March 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, December 12, 2025

Based on last frost Friday, March 20, 2026 · Zone 8a

Pro tip: Sow Rutabaga directly outdoors 14 weeks before your last frost date.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Brassica napus var. napobrassica
Days to Maturity 90 days
Mature Height 18-24"
Spread 8"
Type Root
Fruit Size Medium-Large (3-5 inches)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6+ hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

8" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 4-7 days

Ready to Plant Rutabaga in Wichita Falls?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, December 12, 2025.

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🤝 Good Companions

OnionGarlicPeaBean

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

TomatoPepper
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Rutabaga

See which plants help Rutabaga thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Biennial — overwinter roots and harvest seed pods in year 2 when tan and dry.

Processing

Thresh dried pods, winnow to separate seeds.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Brassica napus — crosses with other napus varieties including canola/rapeseed. Isolate by 300 feet.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 72 plants of Rutabaga. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rutabaga in Wichita Falls, Texas? +

In Wichita Falls (Zone 8a), direct sow Rutabaga outdoors around Friday, December 12, 2025.

What is the last frost date for Wichita Falls, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Wichita Falls, Texas (ZIP 76310) is around Friday, March 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8a.

How long does Rutabaga take to grow? +

Rutabaga typically matures in about 90 days from direct sowing. In Wichita Falls, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, December 12, 2025 plus 90 days.

Should I start Rutabaga indoors or direct sow in Texas? +

Rutabaga does best when direct sown outdoors. In Wichita Falls, sow directly around Friday, December 12, 2025.

📚 More Rutabaga Planting Guides

🗺️

Rutabaga in Texas

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 8a Rutabaga Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Rutabaga in Zone 8a

Rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) is a popular garden vegetable. In Wichita Falls, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, December 12, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Friday, March 20, 2026. Rutabaga grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.