When to Plant Rutabaga in Midland, Texas (79708)

Location

Midland, Texas

ZIP Code

79708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

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 Midland?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, December 7, 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 Midland, Texas? +

In Midland (Zone 8b), direct sow Rutabaga outdoors around Sunday, December 7, 2025.

What is the last frost date for Midland, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Midland, Texas (ZIP 79708) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Rutabaga take to grow? +

Rutabaga typically matures in about 90 days from direct sowing. In Midland, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, December 7, 2025 plus 90 days.

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

Rutabaga does best when direct sown outdoors. In Midland, sow directly around Sunday, December 7, 2025.

📚 More Rutabaga Planting Guides

🗺️

Rutabaga in Texas

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 8b Rutabaga Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Midland

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Growing Rutabaga in Zone 8b

Rutabaga (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) is a popular garden vegetable. In Midland, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Rutabaga grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.