Can turnips survive frost?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Turnips can tolerate light frosts (28 - 32°F / -2 to 0°C), and the freezing helps to sweeten their roots. If freezing temperatures persist, they kill the turnip roots but will still leave the greens alive. Use judgment; harvest before temperatures dip below 25°F (-4°C). Also, mulch heavily to insulate those plants/few hardy plants left in the soil for the winter.
Frost Tolerance Limits
- Roots: Survive brief dips to 28°F but rot if frozen solid
- Greens: Withstand 20°F (-7°C) but become limp
- Seedlings: Protect below 32°F with row covers
Winter Storage Tips
- Mulch with straw or leaves (6-12 inches thick)
- Use cold frames for zone 6 and colder
- Harvest roots after 2-3 light frosts for sweetness
In the garden that I have in Vermont, a thick layer of mulch provides harvests to December. Place straw over the roots and secure it with burlap. Check the turnips every month and discard the soft or sprouted turnips. When stored for proper storage, they will last for about 4-5 months. These greens will not regrow after frost, but they are quite tasty in soup if harvested young and tender.
When planning your fall crops, plant during a time that will allow the roots to finish maturing the week before the first expected frost. For early cooler weather, use floating row covers. Avoid plastic because it will cause water to stay on the surface and lead to rot. In USDA plant hardiness zones 8-10, planting in the fall will avoid frost risks altogether. Rotate your beds from year to year to reduce pests.
Read the full article: How to Grow Turnips: A Step-by-Step Planting Guide
