Direct sow as soon as soil can be prepared in spring. Sow every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. For fall harvest, transplant 9 weeks before first frost, without additional protection. In a hoophouse, you can plant 2-3 weeks later. Thin to 2-6” apart. Planted too densely or in heavy clay loam soils can cause branching of the roots. Turnips can be grown all season long but perform best in cool fall conditions. Good winter storage crop, store at 33˚F. Best eaten when young and tender, 2–3” diameter. Row covers can minimize flea beetles and root maggots. Turnip crops late-summer planted and over wintered will produce significantly higher seed yields. Soil pH 5.6-7.5. Hardiness zones 4-9. Biennial.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 8,500 seeds per ounce. Federal germination standard: 80%. Usual seed life: 5 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 1 mile.
Planting Depth
1/4-1/2”Soil Temp. Germ.
50-80˚FDays to Germ.
7–14Plant Spacing
3–6”Row Spacing
12-18”Days To Maturity
45-50Full Sun,
Moist Well Drained