When to Plant Turnips
Published: April 24, 2026
Fast-growing cool-season root crop — some varieties ready in just 35 days. Best planted in late summer for fall harvest; frost sweetens the roots. Direct sow only; resents transplanting.
When to plant turnip
- Direct sow outdoors: 3 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 40°F
- Days to harvest: 35–60 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 4 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 8 weeks before first fall frost
⚠ Direct sow turnips 2–4 weeks before last frost for spring crop. Best planted in late summer (6–8 weeks before first fall frost) for fall harvest — frost sweetens the roots. Fast-growing: some varieties ready in just 35 days.
Growing Tips for Turnips
- •Thin seedlings to 4-inch spacing when plants are 3 inches tall — crowded turnips produce small woody roots.
- •Both roots AND greens are edible — harvest baby turnip greens 4 weeks after sowing, roots 5–9 weeks.
- •Fall turnips are sweetest — plant 8 weeks before first frost and let cold weather convert starches to sugars.
- •Succession plant every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest through spring; skip summer heat and resume in fall.
Companion Planting for Turnips
✅ Plant turnip with
- • Pea
- • Mint
- • Rosemary
- • Thyme
- • Onion
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Potato
- • Radish
Common Turnip Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Turnips Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant turnips?
Direct sow turnips 2–4 weeks before your last frost date for a spring crop, or 8 weeks before your first fall frost for an autumn crop. In Zones 3–5 spring sowing is mid-April; fall sowing is early August. Turnips tolerate light frost and prefer cool temperatures below 24°C — summer heat causes bolting and bitter roots.
How long do turnips take to grow?
Baby turnips are ready in as little as 35 days from seed; full-size roots take 50–60 days. Some quick varieties like Hakurei and Tokyo Market mature in 35–40 days. Spring crops grow faster as days lengthen; fall crops slow down as days shorten but develop sweeter flavor.
Can I eat turnip greens?
Yes — turnip greens are more nutritious than the roots and are a southern US staple. Harvest outer greens when they reach 6 inches, leaving the root to continue developing. Young greens are mild and can be eaten raw in salads; mature greens are best cooked. Some varieties like Seven Top are grown for greens only.
Why are my turnips bitter or woody?
Bitter, woody turnips come from hot weather (above 24°C), drought stress, or leaving roots in the ground past maturity. Harvest when roots reach target size (usually 2–3 inches), maintain consistent moisture, and avoid summer plantings. Fall turnips grown in cool weather are almost always mild and tender.
What should I plant with turnips?
Peas fix nitrogen that turnips need. Aromatic herbs (mint, rosemary, thyme) deter flea beetles. Onions share similar growing requirements. Avoid potatoes and radishes which compete for root space and attract overlapping pests. Turnips also make excellent cover crops that break up heavy soil.