Turnip Growing Guide
Growing Turnip is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Vegetable
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Brassicaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Biennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
45 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Turnip?
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Your Turnip Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Turnip's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 3–7 days
Growing Tips
- 1Plant turnips in a spot that gets full sun for optimal growth.
- 2Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- 3Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
- 4Space seeds about 2 to 4 inches apart to allow room for growth.
- 5To manage pests, use row covers to protect young plants and practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~40
Days to Maturity
30 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
30 days
When to Pick
Pull when roots are round and firm
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest turnips when the roots are about 2 to 3 inches in diameter and firm.
- 2Gently pull the entire plant from the soil by grasping the base of the greens to avoid damaging the root.
- 3For continuous harvest, pick the outer leaves for greens while leaving the root to mature.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your turnip plant is a simple and rewarding process that any new grower can master! Allow a few healthy turnip plants to flower and form seed pods, then wait until the pods turn brown and dry on the plant. Gently cut the pods and place them in a paper bag, shaking to release the seeds. Let the seeds dry for a few more days, then store them in a labeled envelope or jar in a cool, dry place—your future garden awaits! With just a little patience, you’ll have your own homegrown seeds ready for next season.
Seed Production
