Moisture range
35–55%
Days to maturity
40–60
Light
Full sun
Growing Degree Units
650 · base 40°F
When to plant turnip in your zone
Indoor-start, transplant and harvest dates calibrated to your climate.
Growing notes
Drought stress can make turnips and rutabagas bitter or woody. As the roots become larger, they are more likely to become bitter, strong-flavored, woody or fibrous.
Harvest signs
Harvest turnips when they reach a usable size, normally about two to three inches in width. Their shoulders are usually above the soil surface, so it is easy to tell how big they are.
▶Planting reference— Depth, spacing, pH, light
▶Pests & diseases— root maggots, flea beetles, cabbage maggots, alternaria, +2 more
Common pests · 3
Companions & antagonists
Plant near:PeasLettuce
Tip: Cool-season — spring or fall. Greens edible too.
Common questions
How much water does turnip need?
Turnip has middle-of-the-road water needs. Aim to keep soil moisture around 35–55%, letting the top inch dry slightly between waterings rather than staying soggy.
Can I grow turnip in a raised bed or container?
Yes — turnip does well in raised beds and is happy in a decent-sized container too, as long as drainage is good.
Does turnip come back every year?
No — turnip is an annual. It completes its life in one season, so you replant it each year.