Stephen Albert
Turnips are grown in warm-winter regions in spring, fall, and winter. They are grown in cold-winter regions in spring and autumn.
Plant turnips in spring as soon as the soil is workable.
Good turnip quality depends on quick growth. Plant turnips in humus-rich, well-drained soil. The soil need not be prepared deeply, but the surface should be fine and smooth. Apply lime to strongly acid soils if a soil test shows the need.
When seedling in rows, cover the seeds lightly; when broadcasting, rake the seeds in lightly with a garden rake.
There are both white-fleshed and yellow-fleshed varieties of turnips. Purple Top White Globe is the most popular, white-fleshed variety. Golden Ball is the most popular, yellow-fleshed variety. For turnips greens, grow Seven Top.
Turnips reach harvestable size in 60 to 80 days. They are hardy to cold but susceptible to heat.
Planting dates for spring and summer harvest
(These dates are for the Northern Hemisphere)
| Average date of the last frost | Planting dates |
| Jan. 30 | Jan. 1-Mar. 1 |
| Feb. 8 | Jan. 1-Mar. 1 |
| Feb. 18 | Jan. 10-Mar. 1 |
| Feb. 28 | Jan. 20-Mar. 1 |
| Mar. 10 | Feb. 1-Mar. 1 |
| Mar. 20 | Feb. 10-Mar. 10 |
| Mar. 30 | Feb. 20-Mar. 20 |
| Apr. 10 | Mar. 1-Apr. 1 |
| Apr. 20 | Mar. 10-Apr. 1 |
| Apr. 30 | Mar. 20-May 1 |
| May 10 | Apr. 1-June 1 |
| May 20 | Apr. 15-June 1 |
| May 30 | May 1-June 15 |
| June 10 | May 15-June 15 |
Turnip planting details
- Sowing depth: ¼ inch (.6 cm)
- Space between plant after thinning: 3-4 inches (7-12cm)
- Days to sprout: 9
- Days to harvest: 45-55
- Storage period: 6-8 weeks
- Seeds per 100 row feet: ½ ounce (14g)
- Yield per 100 row feet: 100 pounds (45 kilos)
- Suggested Varieties: Purple Top White Globe (white flesh), Golden Ball (yellow flesh); Seven Top (turnip greens)
- Notes: Best when harvested and used young.
Also of interest:
How to Harvest and Store Turnips.
