Planting guide · zone 5a
When to plant turnips in zone 5a
In zone 5a, the average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is Oct 1. Here is turnips's whole year, counted from those dates.
Apr 17Direct sowSpring
Jul 23Direct sowFall
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Average, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture keeps roots mild and crisp.
Seedling care
Thin to 3–4 in for roots; leave closer if growing mostly for greens.
Growing notes
Greens are ready in about 30 days — take a few outer leaves without hurting the root.
Harvest
Pull at 2–3 in for the sweetest roots. Light frost improves flavor.
Same crop, other zones
Turnips in zone 5b →Turnips in zone 6a →Turnips in zone 6b →Turnips in zone 7a →