When To Plant Turnips In Mississippi

If you’re wondering when to plant turnips in Mississippi, timing is your most important tool. Getting it right means a harvest of sweet roots and tender greens from your own backyard. Mississippi’s long growing season and mild winters create a perfect environment for turnips, a classic Southern staple. This guide will walk you through the best planting dates, varieties, and care tips for a succesful crop.

For most of Mississippi, turnips are a cool-season crop best grown in the fall and early spring. The goal is to time planting so the roots mature during cool weather, which improves flavor and texture. Planting at the wrong time leads to tough, bitter roots or plants that bolt (flower) prematurely.

Primary Fall Planting Window

The ideal time for a fall harvest is from late August through October. You can start as early as mid-August in northern zones and into early November in coastal areas.

North Mississippi (Zones 7b-8a): Plant from late August to mid-October.
Central Mississippi (Zones 8a-8b): Plant from early September to late October.
South & Coastal Mississippi (Zones 8b-9a): Plant from late September through early November.

A good rule is to aim for a harvest date around the first average frost. Turnips can handle a light frost, which actually makes them taste sweeter.

Spring Planting Considerations

Spring planting is possible but trickier. You must plant very early, as soon as the soil can be worked in late winter.

Plant 2-4 weeks before your last average spring frost date. This is typically February to early March in Mississippi.
Choose fast-maturing varieties specifically recommended for spring sowing.
Spring-planted turnips must be harvested before the heat of summer arrives, or they will become woody and bolt.

Many gardeners find the fall crop more reliable and flavorful than the spring one.

Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest

Don’t plant all your seeds at once. For a steady supply of greens and roots, practice succession planting.

Make your first sowing in late August or early September.
Then, plant a new small block of seeds every 10-14 days.
Stop your final sowing about 6-8 weeks before your expected first hard freeze.

This method ensures you have young, tender turnips coming ready over a longer period.

Checking Your Soil Temperature

Soil temperature is a more reliable guide than the calendar. Use a soil thermometer for the best results.

Optimal soil temperature for turnip seed germination is between 50°F and 85°F.
The seeds will germinate fastest (in 3-5 days) when soil is around 60-70°F.
If you plant in soil that’s to warm, germination rates will drop significantly.

Choosing the Right Turnip Varieties for Mississippi

Selecting a variety suited to our climate and your goals is key. Do you want lush greens, large roots, or both?

Top Varieties for Roots & Greens

Purple Top White Globe: The classic. Reliable, produces a large purple-topped root and tasty greens. Excellent for storage.
Tokyo Cross (or other Tokyo types): A fast-maturing, all-white hybrid. Good for spring planting because it resists bolting.
Seven Top: Grown primarily for its abundant, flavorful greens. The root remains small but is still edible.
Hakurei: A sweet, salad-type turnip. Best eaten small and fresh. Less heat-tolerant, so perfect for fall.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Turnips need loose, well-draining soil to form nice roots. Heavy clay soil will cause misshapen growth.

Location: Choose a spot that gets full sun (at least 6 hours daily).
Soil Test: It’s wise to test your soil pH. Turnips prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0.
Amend Soil: Work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at planting, but avoid high nitrogen formulas which promote leafy growth over roots.
Loosen Soil: Till or dig the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches to allow roots to expand easily.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Turnips are grown directly from seed sown into the garden. They do not transplant well.

Sowing Seeds: Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
Spacing: Sow seeds about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Thinning: This is crucial! Once seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, thin them to stand 4-6 inches apart. Use the thinned greens in salads.
Watering: Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination. After that, provide 1 inch of water per week.

Caring for Your Turnip Crop

Consistent care after planting ensures healthy growth and prevents problems.

Watering and Mulching

Uneven watering causes roots to crack or become woody.

Water deeply once a week if rain is lacking. A soaker hose is ideal.
Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch (straw, pine straw) to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil cool.

Fertilizing for Growth

Turnips are moderate feeders. A side-dressing of fertilizer about 3-4 weeks after planting can boost growth.

Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer or compost tea.
Scratch it lightly into the soil near the plants and water it in.
To much nitrogen will give you beautiful leaves but tiny roots.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Watch out for these common issues in Mississippi gardens.

Flea Beetles: They create tiny shot holes in leaves. Use row covers from planting or apply diatomaceous earth.
Aphids: Cluster on undersides of leaves. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually controls them.
Cabbage Root Maggots: Can damage roots. Row covers secured at the edges are the best prevention.
Leaf Spot & Downy Mildew: Fungal diseases promoted by wet foliage. Water at the base of plants, ensure good air circulation, and rotate crops each year.

Harvesting and Storing Your Turnips

Knowing when and how to harvest gives you the best quality from your crop.

When to Harvest

For Greens: You can begin harvesting young, tender leaves when they are 4-6 inches tall. Never take more than one-third of the plant if you want the root to develop.
For Roots: Most varieties are ready 45-60 days after planting. Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor. They can get larger but may become tough.

How to Harvest

For roots, gently loosen the soil around the turnip with a garden fork.
Pull the plant straight up, grasping at the base of the greens.
Trim the greens off about an inch above the root crown if storing. The greens can be stored separately.

Storing Your Bounty

Proper storage extends your harvest for months.

Roots: Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper for up to 2-3 weeks. For long-term storage, place in a box of damp sand or peat moss in a cool (32-40°F), humid cellar or refrigerator.
Greens: Wash, dry thoroughly, and store in a sealed bag in the fridge for up to a week. They are also excellent for blanching and freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you plant turnips in the summer in Mississippi?

It is not recommended. Summer heat causes poor germination, bitter flavor, and rapid bolting. Stick to spring and fall planting windows.

What is the latest you can plant turnips in Mississippi?

For a fall crop, aim to get seeds in the ground by mid-October for northern areas and by early November for southern coastal areas. This gives them enough time to mature before severe winter cold.

Do turnips come back every year?

No, turnips are biennials grown as annuals. They complete their life cycle (seed to flower) in two growing seasons, but we harvest them in the first season for the root.

Can I grow turnips in containers?

Yes! Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix, keep it watered, and thin seedlings promptly. Shallow or wide varieties are best for pots.

Why are my turnip roots long and skinny instead of round?

This is usually caused by soil that is to compacted or heavy with clay. It can also happen if plants are overcrowded and not thinned properly. Next time, amend your soil with more compost to loosen it.

By following these timing and care guidelines, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest of this versatile vegetable. The key is working with Mississippi’s seasons, not against them. With a little planning, you’ll have delicious turnips on your table for months.