Knowing when to plant turnips in Texas is the single most important factor for a successful harvest. Get the timing right, and you’ll enjoy a bounty of sweet roots and nutritious greens with minimal fuss. This guide breaks down the best planting times for turnips across Texas’s diverse climate zones, giving you a clear schedule to follow.
Turnips are a fantastic cool-season crop for Texas gardens. They grow quickly, don’t need much space, and both the root and the greens are edible. But planting them at the wrong time leads to poor growth, premature bolting (flowering), and tough, bitter roots. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
When to Plant Turnips in Texas – Best Planting Times for
The ideal planting window for turnips in Texas is during the cool seasons: fall and late winter to early spring. Texas is a big state with several climate zones, so your exact dates will vary. The general rule is to plant so that turnips mature during cool weather, not the heat of summer.
Understanding Texas Climate Zones
Texas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b through 9b. This means first and last frost dates change as you move across the state. For turnips, we primarily focus on the fall and spring planting windows relative to your local frost dates.
- North Texas (Zones 6b-7b): Winters are colder, springs are shorter. Fall planting is most reliable.
- Central Texas (Zones 8a-8b): A long, mild fall and a variable spring. Both seasons can work well.
- South Texas & Coastal Areas (Zones 9a-9b): Very mild winters. Fall planting is extended, and winter planting is often possible.
- West Texas (Zones 7a-8a): Arid with wide temperature swings. Careful timing and irrigation are key.
Fall Planting Schedule (The Prime Time)
Fall is the best season for planting turnips in most of Texas. The cooling temperatures are perfect for germination and growth, resulting in sweet, tender turnips. You’ll want to plant in late summer to early fall, so plants mature in the cool of late fall and early winter.
- North Texas: Plant from mid-August through mid-September.
- Central Texas: Plant from late August through early October.
- South Texas: Plant from September through November, and even into December in the deepest south.
- West Texas: Aim for a late August to mid-September planting.
The goal is to get your turnips harvested before a hard freeze, though they can tolerate light frosts which actually improves their flavor.
Spring Planting Schedule (The Second Chance)
Spring planting is trickier but doable. You must plant as early as the soil can be worked to harvest before the summer heat arrives, which causes turnips to become woody and bolt.
- North Texas: Plant as soon as soil is workable, typically late February to mid-March.
- Central Texas: Plant in late January through February.
- South Texas: Plant in January through early February.
- West Texas: Target a February planting date.
Spring-planted turnips grow fast as days lengthen. Be prepared to harvest them a bit younger than fall turnips.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your date, follow these simple steps for success.
1. Choosing a Variety
Select varieties suited for Texas. ‘Purple Top White Globe’ is a classic, reliable choice. For greens, try ‘Seven Top’. ‘Hakurei’ is a sweet, salad-type turnip that grows well in our springs and falls.
2. Preparing the Soil
Turnips prefer loose, well-draining soil. Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Remove rocks and clumps that could obstruct root growth. Mix in 2-3 inches of compost. They don’t need a lot of nitrogen, as too much leads to leafy tops and small roots.
3. Sowing the Seeds
- Sow seeds directly in the garden, about 1/2 inch deep.
- Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently but thoroughly.
- Seeds typically germinate in 4 to 7 days.
4. Thinning Seedlings
This is a critical step often overlooked. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 3 to 6 inches apart. Crowded turnips won’t form good roots. You can eat the thinned greens!
Caring for Your Turnip Crop
Consistent care ensures a healthy harvest.
Watering
Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Use a soaker hose or water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Inconsistent watering can cause roots to crack or become pithy.
Fertilizing
If your soil was prepared with compost, little extra fertilizer is needed. A light side-dressing with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer about 3 weeks after planting can be beneficial if growth seems slow.
Pest and Disease Management
Common pests include flea beetles (tiny holes in leaves) and aphids. Use floating row covers as a barrier. For diseases like mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Crop rotation from year to year helps prevent soil-borne issues.
Harvesting Your Texas Turnips
You can start harvesting tender greens when they are 4-6 inches tall. For roots, most varieties are ready 45-60 days after planting. Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor. Don’t let them get to large, or they can become tough.
Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil and pull them up. In the fall, you can often leave turnips in the ground and harvest as needed until a hard freeze is expected. A layer of mulch can offer some protection.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Roots are small or misshapen: Likely caused by crowded plants (didn’t thin), poor/rocky soil, or inconsistent watering.
- Plants flower quickly (bolt): Caused by planting too late in spring or a sudden warm spell. Stick to the recommended planting windows.
- Woody, bitter roots: A result of harvesting too late or growing in hot weather. Heat stresses the plant.
- Leaf miners or flea beetles: Row covers are the most effective organic prevention method.
FAQ: Planting Turnips in Texas
Can I grow turnips in the summer in Texas?
It is not recommended. Summer heat causes turnips to bolt, become bitter, and develop poorly. They are a strict cool-season crop.
How late can I plant turnips in the fall?
Count backwards from your average first frost date. Plant so that turnips have at least 50-60 days to mature before a hard freeze. In South Texas, you can plant much later due to mild winters.
Can I grow turnips in containers?
Yes! Choose a container at least 12 inches deep. Use a quality potting mix and ensure it has good drainage. Thin seedlings just as you would in the ground.
What are the best companion plants for turnips?
Good companions include peas, beans, and onions. Avoid planting them near other root crops like potatoes, which may compete for space.
My turnip greens are being eaten. What should I do?
This is often flea beetles or caterpillars. Inspect the leaves. Floating row covers installed right after planting are the best defense against these pests without using sprays.
By following these guidelines for when to plant turnips in Texas, you set yourself up for a rewarding harvest. The key is respecting their need for cool weather. Mark your calendar based on your region, prepare your soil well, and don’t forget to thin those seedlings. With a little planning, you’ll be enjoying homegrown turnips from your garden in no time. Remember, fall planting is generally the easiest and most productive route for Texas gardeners.