When to plant turnip in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAY

Sow Feb 15 · First harvest Mar 27 · Wrap by Apr 24

Last spring frostMar 15

Direct sowFeb 15

First harvestMar 27

Last harvestApr 24

Fall succession sowSep 20

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 20 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Turnip matures in about 40–60 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Feb 15 and first picking around Mar 27.

Will turnip survive frost in zone 8b?

Yes — turnip tolerates light frost. In zone 8b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Mar 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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

Yes — in zone 8b there's time for a fall sowing around Sep 20 for a second harvest before frost.

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