When To Plant Turnips for Spring, Fall, and Winter Harvests

Turnips are versatile root vegetables that grow best in cool weather, making them ideal for multiple plantings throughout the year. Knowing when to plant ensures tender roots and flavorful greens for spring, fall, and even mild winter harvests.

Table of Contents

Planting Turnips for Spring Harvest

Sow turnip seeds as soon as the soil can be worked, typically 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost. Spring turnips mature quickly, often in 40–60 days, allowing for a fresh, early-season crop.

Planting Turnips for Fall Harvest

For a fall crop, plant turnips in mid- to late summer, about 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost. Cooler temperatures develop sweeter roots and tender greens.

Planting Turnips for Winter Harvest

In mild-winter regions, sow turnip seeds in late summer or early fall for a winter harvest. Some varieties store well in the ground or can be lifted and stored for several months.

Tips for Success

Use well-draining soil amended with compost.
Thin seedlings to 3–4 inches apart for larger roots.
Keep soil consistently moist for tender roots.

My Experience

Having grown turnips across all seasons for years, timing planting to avoid hot weather consistently yields sweeter roots and more tender greens.

Turnip Planting Calendar by Season and USDA Zone

USDA Zone	Spring Planting Window	Fall Planting Window	Winter Planting Window (Mild Climates)
3–5	Mid-April to early May	Late July to mid-August	Not recommended due to harsh winters
6–7	Early March to mid-April	Mid-July to late August	Late August to early September
8–9	Late February to early April	Early July to early September	Late August to mid-October
10+	Year-round planting possible*	Year-round planting possible*	Year-round planting possible*

* In USDA zones 10 and warmer, turnips can be grown nearly year-round, avoiding extreme heat.

Quick Tips for Each Zone:

Zone 3–5: Focus on spring and fall plantings to avoid freezing or heat stress.
Zone 6–7: Spring, fall, and early winter crops are possible; protect winter plants with mulch.
Zone 8–9: Take advantage of longer growing seasons for multiple successions, including mild winter harvests.
Zone 10+: Plant any time but avoid the hottest months; partial shade helps in summer.

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.