Growing Turnip

brassica rapa var. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P     P P      

(Best months for growing Turnip in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 54°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 5 - 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 6-9 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Chives, Spinach, Carrots, Chicory
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes, Tomatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
02 Mar 18, kaya (USA - Zone 7a climate)
what is the zone for turnips?
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Feb 17, Billy Pressley (USA - Zone 8a climate)
What is the best soil to grow turnips
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in temperate Australia which could be roughly transposed to your Zone 8. We can sow turnips from Spring until early Summer (about 8 months). Have you considered Swedes (rutabaga) which are a turnip/cabbage cross and are very flavorsome. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Jan 17, S debono (Australia - temperate climate)
Wene is the best day in febuary 2017 to sow ternip seeds
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Late February and all of March and April re suitable times to sow turnips. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 May 16, Clive (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all. Can anyone tell me the best fertilizer to use on Turnips; at planting and ongoing. I grow all my vegies in plastic containers and 2m x 1.5m timber boxes, using a mix of garden soil and potting mix. Never sure whether I should use composted Manure or granulated fertilizer? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Clive.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Mar 15, Brenda Loopuyt (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Please could you let me have info and tips about growing turnips in Summer rainfall area in South Africa
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Dec 14, Lochleen van Schalkwyk (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I cant find turnips anywhere. Can somebody in cape town area and northern suburbs please help
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Mar 16, hennie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
SEEDS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH MOST RETAILERS , STARK AND MAYFORD ARE THE MOST COMMON BRANDS I USE
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Aug 14, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
If I have tilled up my tomatoes, can I plant turnips?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 11 - 20 of 38 comments
See comments for all plants

I am having trouble with my Turnip seeds coming up, wice I have planted them and no result.Peggy

- Peggy

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.