When to Plant Turnip in Zone 4
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
Last updated: Apr 29, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative ExtensionAction Plan
Plant Turnip in Zone 4
- Direct sow: May 10 — after last frost (May 10)
- First harvest: Jun 14 (30–60 days after planting)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (May 10) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
May 10
First frost
Sep 25
Growing season
138 days
Quick Facts
Sunlight
☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs
💧💧 Moderate
Spacing
6 inches apart
Planting Depth
0.5 inch
Min Soil Temp
40°F
Germination
3–7 days
Days to Maturity
30–60 days
Frost Tolerance
Moderate frost tolerance
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Difficulty
Easy
What you'll need — Zone 4
🛒 Turnip — Seeds & Supplies
- 🌱 Turnip Seeds Variety Pack
- 🌱 Succession Planting Calendar
- 🌱 Root Vegetable Storage Bin
Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.
Growing Tips
- Turnips grow fast — ready in 30–60 days. Plant both spring and fall.
- Fall turnips are sweeter than spring ones — frost improves flavor.
- Thin to 4–6 inches apart for good root development.
- The greens are edible and nutritious — harvest young leaves without disturbing roots.
- Direct sow only — turnips don't transplant well.
Common Mistakes
- Transplanting — always direct sow.
- Planting in summer — turnips bolt in heat. Spring or fall only.
- Not thinning — crowded turnips produce twisted, stunted roots.
- Harvesting too late — turnips become woody and pithy above 3 inches diameter.
Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Potato
Turnip Schedule — All Zones
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 2 | — | — | May 25 | Jun 29 | Aug 28 |
| Zone 3 | — | — | May 15 | Jun 19 | Aug 18 |
| Zone 4 | — | — | May 10 | Jun 14 | Aug 13 |
| Zone 5 | — | — | Apr 30 | Jun 4 | Aug 3 |
| Zone 6 | — | — | Apr 15 | May 20 | Jul 19 |
| Zone 7 | — | — | Apr 5 | May 10 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 8 | — | — | Mar 20 | Apr 24 | Jun 23 |
| Zone 9 | — | — | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Jun 3 |
| Zone 10 | — | — | Feb 10 | Mar 17 | May 16 |
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.