What month do you plant turnips?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Turnips grow best when planted during the cool seasons, taking advantage of early spring or late summer. Do not plant during the summer heat, bolting occurs at temperatures above 75°F (24°C). Fall crops will yield sweeter roots once light frost occurs. The timing of course will vary between regions; however, turnips will continue to thrive as long as soil temperature remains within the range of 45-75°F (7-24°C).
Soil Preparation
- Test soil pH (6.0-7.5) and amend with compost or lime
- Avoid fresh manure, it burns roots and attracts pests
- Loosen soil 12 inches deep for unrestricted root growth
Planting Techniques
- Sow seeds ¼-½ inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches to prevent crowding
- Use row covers to protect against flea beetles
To fight pests such as root maggots, diatomaceous earth can be effective. Jie neem oil is recommended for flea beetles and should be applied every week. Overwatering plants causes rot, so limit to 1 inch per week. However, sandy soils may need watering more frequently. Mulch is beneficial because it keeps moisture and controls weeds without adding chemicals.
To achieve the best flavor when harvesting roots, 2-3 inches in diameter is ideal. Greens are fairly tender when harvested young. Unwashed roots will store best when packed in damp sand at 32-40°F (0-4°C). When frozen, greens will last about 10-12 months; however, they do lose their crispness when thawed. Do not store damaged roots, as they spoil rapidly.
Read the full article: How to Grow Turnips: A Step-by-Step Planting Guide
