When to plant turnip in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJUL

Sow May 2 · First harvest Jun 11 · Wrap by Jul 9

Last spring frostMay 30

Direct sowMay 2

First harvestJun 11

Last harvestJul 9

Fall succession sowJul 16

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 frost-free days. Turnip tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jul 16 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does turnip take to grow in zone 3a?

Turnip matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 3a that means sowing around May 2 and first picking around Jun 11.

Will turnip survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — turnip tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

Can I plant a second crop of turnip in zone 3a?

Yes — in zone 3a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 16 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full turnip growing guide →