When to plant turnip in zone 3b — planting calendar

Growing SeasonZone 3b

Last frost ~May 6First frost ~Oct 22Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUN

Sow Apr 8 · First harvest May 18 · Wrap by Jun 15

Last spring frostMay 6

Direct sowApr 8

First harvestMay 18

Last harvestJun 15

Fall succession sowAug 27

First fall frostOct 22

Why these dates work in zone 3b

Zone 3b's last spring frost averages May 6 and first fall frost Oct 22 — about 169 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 Aug 27 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Turnip matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 3b that means sowing around Apr 8 and first picking around May 18.

Will turnip survive frost in zone 3b?

Yes — turnip tolerates light frost. In zone 3b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 6) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 22).

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

Yes — in zone 3b there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 27 for a second harvest before frost.

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

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