When to Plant Turnip in Zone 9

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Turnip in Zone 9

  • Direct sow: Feb 28 — after last frost (Feb 28)
  • First harvest: Apr 4 (30–60 days)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (Feb 28) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
Feb 28
First frost
Nov 25
Growing season
270 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 9
🛒 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

  • Ready in 30–60 days.
  • Fall turnips are sweeter than spring ones.
  • Thin to 4–6 inches apart.
  • The greens are edible and nutritious.
  • Direct sow only.

Common Mistakes

  • Transplanting.
  • Planting in summer.
  • Not thinning.
  • Harvesting too late — become woody above 3 inches.

Companion Planting

Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.

✓ Good Companions

Peas Onion

✗ Avoid Nearby

Potato

Turnip Schedule — All Zones

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplant Direct SowHarvest StartHarvest 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.