The Best Time to Plant Turnip Greens for a Successful Crop

Turnip greens are a cool weather crop that can be planted in both spring and fall. Knowing the optimal planting time for your region is key to getting a bountiful harvest. As an experienced gardener and turnip green enthusiast I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to turnips. In this article I’ll share my tips on when and how to plant turnip greens for the best results.

Why Timing Matters

Turnips thrive in cool temperatures and can tolerate frost. Planting them at the right time avoids exposing the tender greens to summer heat or winter freezes which could ruin the crop Turnips are also fast growing, with most varieties ready to harvest just 35-70 days after sowing This makes timing even more important, as a few weeks difference in planting can mean missing the ideal growing conditions.

Spring Planting

When planting turnip greens in spring, timing is crucial. Turnips like consistently cool weather and can’t withstand hot summer temperatures. The ideal spring planting window is 2-4 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date. This gives them time to mature before summer arrives. Any earlier and the seeds may not germinate well in cold soil. Any later and the summer heat could prevent proper growth or cause the plants to bolt.

I like to check my local frost date averages and plant my turnips 3 weeks prior. If an unexpected late frost does occur mulching provides some protection. Fast maturing varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe’ and ‘Tokyo Cross’ are best for spring planting.

Fall Planting

For a fall turnip crop, the timing window is wider but still important. Plant them too early in summer and they may bolt in the heat before producing greens. Too late and they won’t mature before the winter freeze sets in.

The ideal fall planting time is from late August through October. This allows at least 60 days of cool weather for the turnips to reach maturity before growth stops in winter. However, exact dates vary by region. In warmer zones (8-10), late September to mid October is best to avoid summer heat. In cooler zones (3-7), planting can start as early as mid August.

Good full season varieties for fall planting include ‘Seven Top’, ‘Purple Top White Globe’, and ‘Shogoin’. For faster crops, try ‘Just Right’ or ‘White Egg’. Mulching in fall helps protect from cold snaps.

Tips for Planting

Once you’ve determined the best planting dates, here are a few tips for success:

Prepare soil well with compost and a balanced fertilizer before planting
Sow seeds 1⁄2 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows or wide beds

Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially before and after germination
Use row covers or cold frames early and late in the season to protect from frost
Harvest greens when they reach 6-12 inches; roots when 2-3 inches wide

Learn more about how to get started!

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How To Grow Turnip Greens (PROGRESSION) Growing Guide

FAQ

What month to plant turnips?

Plant turnips beginning April 15 for a spring crop, and again August 1 for a fall crop. Rutabagas require a longer growing season, but need to mature in cool weather, so you should plant them from late May to early June for a fall crop. Plant seeds one to two inches apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart.

Do turnips like full sun or shade?

Like most vegetables, turnips prefer full sun but if they are grown solely for their leaves, they will tolerate partial shade. Turnips can have issues with pests like slugs, snails and aphids, but the turnip growing season is short so typically the vegetable is harvested before the pests become an issue.

What is the best fertilizer for turnips?

Fertilizer should be applied at the time of seeding to give the turnips a competitive edge on weeds. Apply 75 – 80 pounds per acre of nitrogen and fertilize with phosphorus and potassium similar to what would be applied for a small grain.

What month do you plant greens?

Greens can be sown directly in the garden starting in spring and, in cool areas, planted throughout the summer until September. If you want to get a jump on the season, start seeds four to six weeks before the last frost date in your area so they can be planted two to three weeks later.

When to plant Turnip greens?

When to plant turnip greens: This cool-weather crop can be planted in the spring and the fall. Plant turnip seeds two weeks before the last spring frost date and four weeks before the first fall frost date. You can then harvest the turnip greens about four to six weeks after planting. Turnip greens need a nice, cool temperature to grow.

When should you pick turnip greens?

Turnip greens are associated with southern cooking and are an important part of regional diets. The best time to pick turnip greens is when they are young and small for best flavor. Greens need to be washed well and cooked to soften the tough center rib. Turnips are biennial plants that require winter chill to produce flowers and seeds.

When should you plant turnip seeds?

Add more to heavy, clay soil to improve drainage. For a late spring harvest, sow turnip seeds about 2 to 3 weeks before the average last spring frost date. For an autumn harvest, sow turnips in late summer after summer crops of onions, squash, beans, or sweet corn. For a later autumn harvest, sow seeds in early autumn.

Can you grow turnip greens twice a year?

The plants need moist soil to thrive. In a temperate climate, you can grow turnips twice a year, in the spring and the fall, and have nice, long growing seasons. Harvest your turnip greens early and they might be able to grow again for a second harvest in the same season.