When to plant turnip in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUN

Sow Apr 2 · First harvest May 12 · Wrap by Jun 9

Last spring frostApr 30

Direct sowApr 2

First harvestMay 12

Last harvestJun 9

Fall succession sowAug 15

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 15 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does turnip take to grow in zone 6a?

Turnip matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 6a that means sowing around Apr 2 and first picking around May 12.

Will turnip survive frost in zone 6a?

Yes — turnip tolerates light frost. In zone 6a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

Can I plant a second crop of turnip in zone 6a?

Yes — in zone 6a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 15 for a second harvest before frost.

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