When to Plant Turnips in Mississippi
Published: April 24, 2026
Mississippi gardeners in Zone 8a enjoy an extended 41-week growing season for turnip. Cool-season crops like turnip do best in fall, winter, and early spring in Mississippi — the hot summers bolt these plants before they can be harvested. This guide gives exact dates for Mississippi based on your local frost calendar.
Turnip Planting Dates for Mississippi
| Start seeds indoors | Year-round |
| Last frost (average) | February 15 |
| Direct sow outdoors | January 25–February 4 |
| Expect first harvest | March 1 – March 26 |
| Fall crop start | October 6–16 |
| Fall harvest | November 10 |
| First fall frost (average) | December 1 |
Dates above assume Zone 8a, the most common zone in Mississippi. Gardeners in cooler Jackson (Zone 8a) plant 1–2 weeks later; warmer Gulfport (Zone 8b) can plant 1–2 weeks earlier.
⚠ 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 Turnips in Mississippi's Climate
Mississippi's warm Zone 8a climate makes turnip a fall, winter, and early spring crop rather than a summer one. The cool-season window runs roughly October through April in Mississippi — plant outside this window and the turnip will bolt (send up a flower stalk and turn bitter) before it produces a harvestable crop.
Succession planting stretches the turnip harvest window. Sow small amounts every two weeks from October through February — you will have staggered harvests rather than a single wave to process all at once. Bolt-resistant varieties extend the usable window an extra three to four weeks into warming weather.
Common turnip pests to watch for in Mississippi include Flea Beetle and Aphid. The first line of defense is companion planting: Pea and Mint planted nearby discourage several of these pests by confusing host-plant identification or repelling adults before they can lay eggs. Weekly garden walks in the early morning catch problems when they're still manageable.
Turnip Garden Calendar for Mississippi
| Month | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Direct sow seeds | Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, 4 inches apart |
| February | — | Off-season |
| March | First harvest window opens | Turnip begins producing 35–60 days after transplant |
| April | — | Off-season |
| May ← | Watch for bolting | Harvest promptly; spring heat arrives quickly |
| June | — | Off-season |
| July | — | Off-season |
| August | — | Off-season |
| September | — | Off-season |
| October | Fall crop planting | Transplant or direct sow for fall harvest before frost |
| November | — | Off-season |
| December | First frost approaches | Harvest remaining turnip; cover plants on frost nights |
Turnip Growing Tips for Mississippi Gardeners
- •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.
- •Mississippi's cool-season turnip plants best in October, November, and December for winter and early spring harvest. Spring plantings bolt before producing a harvestable crop.
- •Fall turnips are sweetest — plant 8 weeks before first frost and let cold weather convert starches to sugars.
Companion Planting for Turnips in Mississippi
In Mississippi's warm climate, planting turnip with Pea and Mint helps deter pests and improve soil. Avoid planting near Potato and Radish, which inhibit turnip growth through root chemistry or shared pest pressure. See the full turnip companion planting guide for the complete list.
Turnips Planting Dates by City in Mississippi
Top cities in Mississippi — select for city-level frost dates and planting calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant turnip in Mississippi?
In Mississippi (Zone 8a), start turnip seeds indoors around Year-round and transplant outdoors around null — 0 weeks after the state's average last frost of February 15.
What is the last frost date in Mississippi?
Mississippi's average last frost date is February 15 in the state's most common Zone 8a. Frost dates vary by city — higher elevations and northern counties run 1 to 3 weeks later than the state average. See the city list below for city-level frost dates.
Can I grow turnip year-round in Mississippi?
turnip is a cool-season crop in Mississippi, with spring and fall windows. Summer heat bolts the plants before they can produce a harvestable crop. Succession planting every 2–3 weeks stretches the harvest window.
What turnip varieties grow best in Mississippi?
For Mississippi's Zone 8a, consult a local nursery or extension office for turnips variety recommendations.
When do I start turnip seeds indoors in Mississippi?
Turnip does not need indoor starting in Mississippi — direct sow around January 25–February 4 once soil reaches 40°F. Indoor starting is not recommended for this crop because turnip transplants poorly.