When to plant turnip in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUN

Sow Apr 12 · First harvest May 22 · Wrap by Jun 19

Last spring frostMay 10

Direct sowApr 12

First harvestMay 22

Last harvestJun 19

Fall succession sowAug 6

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 6 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does turnip take to grow in zone 5a?

Turnip matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around Apr 12 and first picking around May 22.

Will turnip survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — turnip tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

Can I plant a second crop of turnip in zone 5a?

Yes — in zone 5a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 6 for a second harvest before frost.

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