When To Plant Turnips In Tennessee

If you’re wondering when to plant turnips in Tennessee, you’re in the right place. Getting the timing right is the single most important step for a great harvest of sweet roots and tender greens. Tennessee’s diverse climate, from the Appalachian highlands to the Mississippi lowlands, means your planting schedule depends heavily on where you live and the season you choose.

This guide will walk you through the optimal planting times for turnips in both spring and fall across the state. We’ll cover soil prep, variety selection, and simple care tips to ensure your garden is productive.

Turnips are a cool-season crop that thrive in Tennessee’s spring and autumn months. They prefer growing in temperatures between 40°F and 75°F. The key is to time your planting so the roots mature in cool weather, which makes them sweeter and prevents them from becoming woody or bitter.

For most Tennessee gardeners, the fall planting season is often more reliable and productive than the spring. The cooling temperatures of autumn are perfect for turnip growth.

Spring Planting Dates in Tennessee

Spring planting is a race against the coming summer heat. You need to get seeds in the ground early enough for turnips to mature before hot weather arrives.

East Tennessee (Zones 6b-7a): Plant from late March to mid-April.
Middle Tennessee (Zones 7a-7b): Plant from early March to early April.
West Tennessee (Zones 7b-8a): Plant from mid-February to late March.

A good rule of thumb is to sow seeds as soon as the soil can be worked, about 2-4 weeks before your last average spring frost date. If a late frost is forcasted after planting, don’t worry too much—turnip seedlings can handle a light frost.

Fall Planting Dates in Tennessee

Fall is the premier season for turnips in Tennessee. The long, cool autumns allow for a extended harvest period. You’ll often get larger roots and more flavorful greens.

East Tennessee: Plant from early August to late September.
Middle Tennessee: Plant from mid-August to early October.
West Tennessee: Plant from late August to mid-October.

Count backwards from your first average fall frost date. Aim to plant seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before that frost. Turnips actually taste sweeter after a light frost or two, so don’t be afraid to plant them for a late harvest.

Choosing the Right Turnip Variety

Selecting a variety suited to your goals—whether for roots, greens, or both—will improve your success. Here are some excellent choices for Tennessee gardens:

Purple Top White Globe: The classic. Reliable, stores well, and produces good greens.
Tokyo Cross: A fast-maturing, all-white hybrid thats great for spring planting.
Hakurei: A sweet, salad-type turnip best eaten small. Perfect for quick fall crops.
Seven Top: Grown primarily for its abundant, tasty greens rather than its root.

Preparing Your Soil for Success

Turnips need loose, well-draining soil to form nice roots. Heavy clay soil, common in parts of Tennessee, can cause misshapen or stunted growth.

Choose a spot that gets full sun (at least 6 hours).
Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Remove rocks and clumps.
Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of the root. A balanced organic fertilizer worked into the soil before planting is best.

How to Plant Turnip Seeds

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

Rake the soil smooth.
Sow seeds about ½ inch deep.
Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Water the bed gently but thoroughly.
Seeds will sprout in 4-7 days.

Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 4-6 inches apart. Don’t skip thinning! Crowded turnips won’t form good roots. You can eat the thinnings as tender, baby greens.

Caring for Your Turnip Crop

Consistent care is simple but makes a huge difference in your harvest’s quality.

Watering: Provide 1 inch of water per week. Even moisture is crucial for preventing cracked roots and bitter flavor.
Weeding: Keep the bed weed-free, especially while seedlings are young. Weeds compete for nutrients and water.
Pests: Watch for flea beetles (tiny holes in leaves) and cabbage worms. Row covers installed right after planting are the best defense. You can also use an organic insecticidal soap if needed.

Harvesting Your Turnips

You can actually start harvesting early for a continuous supply.

For Greens: Snip outer leaves when they are 4-6 inches tall. The plant will keep producing new leaves from the center.
For Roots: Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor. You can leave them in the ground longer in the fall, as they are somewhat frost-tolerant.

Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil and lift the roots. Twist off the greens, leaving about an inch of stem on the root. Store the greens seperately in the fridge, and keep roots in a cool, humid place like a refrigerator crisper drawer.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them:

Woody or Bitter Roots: Caused by heat stress or letting roots grow too large. Stick to the planting windows and harvest on time.
Small or No Roots: Usually from overcrowding (not thinning), poor soil, or too much nitrogen. Ensure proper spacing and soil prep.
Bolting (Flowering): If the plant sends up a flower stalk, the root becomes inedible. This is triggered by a period of cold weather followed by warmth in spring, or by planting too late in spring. Focus on fall planting for more reliable results.

FAQ: Planting Turnips in Tennessee

Can you plant turnips in the summer in Tennessee?

It’s not recommended. Summer heat causes turnips to become bitter, woody, and bolt to seed quickly. For a summer root crop, try radishes instead.

What is the latest you can plant turnips in Tennessee?

For a fall crop, you can plant up until about 4-5 weeks before your first hard freeze (temps below 28°F). This might mean a late October planting in West TN, but only early October in the mountains. The roots may be smaller but will still be tasty.

Do turnips come back every year?

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

Can I grow turnips in containers?

Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix, and be extra diligent about watering, as containers dry out faster. Select a smaller variety like ‘Tokyo Cross’ for best results.

What are good companion plants for turnips?

Good neighbors include peas, beans, and onions. Avoid planting them near other members of the cabbage family (like broccoli or kale) to help reduce pest and disease problems that affect the whole plant family.