When to plant turnip in zone 5b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5B

Growing SeasonZone 5b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Apr 17 · First harvest May 27 · Wrap by Jun 24

Last spring frostMay 15

Direct sowApr 17

First harvestMay 27

Last harvestJun 24

Fall succession sowAug 5

First fall frostSep 30

Why these dates work in zone 5b

Zone 5b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 30 — about 138 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 5 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Turnip matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 5b that means sowing around Apr 17 and first picking around May 27.

Will turnip survive frost in zone 5b?

Yes — turnip tolerates light frost. In zone 5b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 30).

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

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

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