When to plant turnip in zone 4a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4A

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 20First frost ~Sep 20Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Apr 22 · First harvest Jun 1 · Wrap by Jun 29

Last spring frostMay 20

Direct sowApr 22

First harvestJun 1

Last harvestJun 29

Fall succession sowJul 26

First fall frostSep 20

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 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 26 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does turnip take to grow in zone 4a?

Turnip matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 22 and first picking around Jun 1.

Will turnip survive frost in zone 4a?

Yes — turnip tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 20).

Can I plant a second crop of turnip in zone 4a?

Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 26 for a second harvest before frost.

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