When to plant turnip in zone 8a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8A

Growing SeasonZone 8a

Last frost ~Mar 25First frost ~Nov 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAY

Sow Feb 25 · First harvest Apr 6 · Wrap by May 4

Last spring frostMar 25

Direct sowFeb 25

First harvestApr 6

Last harvestMay 4

Fall succession sowSep 15

First fall frostNov 10

Why these dates work in zone 8a

Zone 8a's last spring frost averages Mar 25 and first fall frost Nov 10 — about 230 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 Sep 15 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does turnip take to grow in zone 8a?

Turnip matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 8a that means sowing around Feb 25 and first picking around Apr 6.

Will turnip survive frost in zone 8a?

Yes — turnip tolerates light frost. In zone 8a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Mar 25) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 10).

Can I plant a second crop of turnip in zone 8a?

Yes — in zone 8a there's time for a fall sowing around Sep 15 for a second harvest before frost.

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