Stephen Albert
Turnips mature quickly—usually within 40 to 60 days—making them perfect for staggered planting. Continuous sowing extends the harvest, reduces waste, and adapts to changing garden conditions.
How to Succession Plant Turnips
- Choose Fast-Maturing Varieties
Select varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe’ or ‘Tokyo Cross’ known for reliable, quick growth. - Start Early
Begin sowing 4–6 weeks before your last spring frost for a steady spring harvest. - Sow Every 2–3 Weeks
Plant seeds in intervals of 2–3 weeks throughout the spring and summer to maintain a constant supply. - Switch to Fall Planting
In late summer, continue sowing for a fall harvest, which often produces sweeter roots due to cooler weather. - Prepare Soil Between Plantings
Amend soil with compost and loosen the bed to support healthy root growth.
My Experience
After decades of gardening, I’ve found that succession planting turnips is the easiest way to keep fresh, tender roots and greens available from early spring well into fall.
Turnip Succession Planting Schedule by USDA Zone
| USDA Zone | Start Spring Sowing | Interval Between Sows | Last Fall Sowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 | Mid-April | Every 2–3 weeks | Late July |
| 6–7 | Early March | Every 2 weeks | Early September |
| 8–9 | Late February | Every 2 weeks | Mid-September |
| 10+ | Year-round (avoid hot months) | Every 2 weeks | Year-round (avoid heat) |
How to Use This Schedule:
- Start Early: Begin sowing according to your zone’s first planting window.
- Keep Planting: Sow a new batch every 2 to 3 weeks to replace harvested turnips.
- Transition to Fall: As temperatures cool, continue sowing for sweeter fall roots.
- Soil Care: Between sowings, amend soil with compost and loosen for root development.
