Turnips: Varieties for Mild Climates and Short Seasons

Growing turnips in mild climates or regions with short growing seasons can be challenging without the right varieties. Turnips generally prefer cool weather, but some varieties are better suited to milder temperatures and can mature quickly, ensuring a successful harvest even when time is limited. Drawing on over 30 years of gardening experience and supported by horticultural research, here are the best turnip varieties to grow in mild climates and short seasons.

Table of Contents

Best Turnip Varieties for Mild Climates

1. Hakurei (Tokyo Cross)

Why it’s great: This variety matures quickly in 30-40 days and thrives in milder conditions. Known for its sweet, mild flavor and tender texture, Hakurei turnips are perfect for quick harvests.
Growing tip: Plant multiple sowings spaced two weeks apart for a continuous harvest.

2. Tokyo Market

Why it’s great: Another fast-growing turnip that matures in just 30-40 days. It performs well in mild climates and has a crisp, sweet flavor.
Growing tip: Prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture to avoid woody texture.

3. White Lady

Why it’s great: Adaptable to short growing seasons and matures in about 40-50 days. It has tender, mild-flavored roots that hold up well in mild temperatures.
Growing tip: Ensure soil fertility to maximize flavor and texture.

4. Golden Ball

Why it’s great: This variety matures in 50-60 days, slightly longer but still suitable for short seasons if planted early. Its sweet, nutty flavor adds color and taste to your garden.
Growing tip: Mulch to keep soil cool and moist in warmer periods.

5. White Egg

Why it’s great: Produces small, egg-shaped roots in 40-45 days. The roots are tender with a mild flavor, well-suited for mild climates with limited growing windows.
Growing tip: Thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding and promote root development.

Tips for Growing Turnips in Mild Climates and Short Seasons

Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 10-14 days to ensure continuous harvest despite shorter seasons.
Use Shade: In warmer periods, provide light shade to keep plants cool and prevent bolting.
Soil Preparation: Enrich soil with organic matter and maintain consistent moisture to support fast growth.
Harvest Early: Pick turnips at smaller sizes (2-3 inches) for the best texture and flavor.

My Experience

I’ve been growing turnips in the Sonoma Valley (Zone 9) for more than 30 years. These are the varieties that I turn to year after year. I plant these in spring to beat the summer heat and again in the fall to get a tasty crop before the first frost.

Turnip Growing Hub

🥗 Start here: The Ultimate Turnip Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest

🌱 Planting & Timing

When to Plant Turnips for Spring, Fall, and Winter Harvests
– Answers “when do I plant turnips?” with zone-based timing.
Turnip Seed Starting Tips
Succession Planting Turnips for a Continuous Harvest
– Explains timing and spacing strategies to keep the harvest going.
How to Grow Turnips in Containers and Raised Beds
– Great for small-space and urban gardeners. Include container size and spacing details.
How to Space and Thin Turnips for Full Roots
– Many gardeners fail to thin properly. This solves a common issue.

🌿 Care & Maintenance

How Much Water Do Turnips Need? A Watering Guide
– Helps answer “why are my turnips woody or bitter?”
How to Fertilize Turnips for Tender Roots and Tasty Greens
– A common struggle: too much leaf growth, small roots.
Best Companion Plants for Turnips (And What to Avoid)
– Evergreen content with strong search and Pinterest appeal.
How to Grow Turnips in Hot Weather or Warm Climates
– Address bolting, bitterness, and timing challenges in Zones 8–10.

🐛 Pests, Diseases & Troubleshooting

Common Turnip Pests and Diseases and How to Stop Them Naturally

–Flea beetles, aphids, damping off, white rust Includes IPM methods

Why Are My Turnips All Tops and No Roots? What Went Wrong
– Diagnostic article that answers a frequently asked gardener problem.
How to Prevent Woody Turnips and Improve Texture and Flavor
– Addresses late harvest, heat, and drought issues.

🧺 Harvest, Storage & Kitchen Use

How and When to Harvest Turnips for Best Texture
– Cover baby turnips, mature roots, and leafy greens.
How to Harvest and Store Turnips
– Answers “how long do turnips last?” and “can you store turnips in sand?”
Freezing and Preserving Turnips: A Beginner’s Guide
– Popular in late fall/early winter, great for preserving guides.
Eight Ways to Cook and Serve Turnips: Roots, Greens, and Recipe Ideas
– Kitchen-friendly post that links to growing and harvesting.
How to Use Turnip Greens in the Kitchen
– Zero-waste kitchen content that connects gardeners and cooks.