When to Plant Fall Turnips: Greens, Roots, and Zone Dates
Sow fall turnips 6 to 8 weeks before frost. August in the north, September in zones 7 to 8. Harvest greens young and roots at 2 to 3 inches.
Published by ThriveThyme
turnips fall planting harvest
When to Plant Fall Turnips
Sow fall turnips 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost. They grow fast, often 40 to 50 days for roots and 30 days for greens, so they are a good August crop. Cool nights keep roots sweet. Heat makes them pithy.
See the turnip plant page.
Dates by Zone
- Zones 3 to 5: Sow in August.
- Zone 6: Sow mid August to early September.
- Zone 7: Sow late August through September.
- Zone 8: Sow in September.
- Zones 9 to 10: Sow from October into winter.
Broadcast or sow in rows. Thin to 3 to 4 inches for roots. Leave thicker stands if you mainly want greens.
When to Harvest
Cut greens when they are 4 to 6 inches. Pull roots at 2 to 3 inches across. Larger roots get woody. Light frost improves flavor. Store roots in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Next Steps
Sow a row this week in zone 7 and colder. In the south, wait until September heat breaks. Pair with fall kale and fall carrots.