If you’re planning your Missouri garden, knowing when to plant turnips is key to a great harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in our state’s climate, but timing is everything for the best roots and greens. Let’s break down the simple schedule and tips to get your turnips growing strong.
When To Plant Turnips In Missouri – Best Planting Times For
Missouri’s two main planting windows for turnips are in the spring and the fall. The fall season is often the most successful and forgiving for gardeners here. Turnips prefer cool weather and can even handle a light frost, which actually makes them taste sweeter.
Spring Planting Dates in Missouri
For a spring crop, you need to get your seeds in the ground early. Aim to plant as soon as the soil can be worked. This is typically from late February in southern Missouri to late March or very early April in northern parts of the state. The goal is to harvest before the intense summer heat arrives, which can make turnips woody and bitter.
- Southern Missouri: Plant from late February to mid-March.
- Central Missouri (including areas like Columbia and Jefferson City): Plant from mid-March to early April.
- Northern Missouri: Plant from late March to mid-April.
Fall Planting Dates in Missouri
Fall is the prime time for turnips in Missouri. The cooling temperatures are ideal for growth. You should plant seeds in late summer so the plants mature during the crisp autumn days. A good rule is to plant about 6 to 8 weeks before your first average fall frost date.
- Northern Missouri (First frost around early October): Plant in mid-to-late August.
- Central Missouri (First frost around mid-October): Plant from late August to early September.
- Southern Missouri (First frost around late October): Plant from early September to mid-September.
You can find your exact frost date by checking with your local University of Missouri Extension office. Fall-planted turnips often have a more mild flavor and tender texture compared to spring ones.
Choosing the Right Turnip Variety
Picking a variety suited to Missouri helps ensure success. Some are bred for their roots, others for their lush greens, and many for both.
- Purple Top White Globe: A classic, reliable variety with good root size and tasty greens.
- Hakurei (Tokyo Cross): A sweet, salad-type turnip that grows fast and is perfect for spring or fall.
- Seven Top: Grown primarily for its abundant, flavorful greens rather than a large root.
- Scarlet Queen: Has vibrant red skin and stays tender, even if harvested a bit late.
Preparing Your Garden Soil
Turnips aren’t too fussy, but they do best in loose, well-draining soil. Heavy clay soil, common in parts of Missouri, can cause misshapen roots. Before planting, work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Mix in a couple inches of compost or aged manure to improve texture and fertility. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
Avoid using fresh manure or high-nitrogen fertilizers right before planting. To much nitrogen will give you gorgeous greens but very small roots. A balanced, all-purpose garden fertilizer worked into the soil before seeding is usually sufficient.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these simple steps for planting your turnip seeds:
- Prepare the Bed: Rake the soil smooth, removing any large clumps or stones.
- Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Space them about an inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Water Gently: Use a fine mist or gentle shower to water the seeded area. You want to moisten the soil without washing the tiny seeds away.
- Thin the Seedlings: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 3 to 6 inches apart. This gives the roots room to expand. Don’t throw away the thinnings—the young greens are delicious in salads!
Caring for Your Growing Turnips
Consistent care is simple but important. Water your turnips regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Inconsistent watering can lead to cracked or pithy roots. A layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Keep an eye out for common pests. Flea beetles can pepper the leaves with tiny holes, and cabbage loopers might munch on the foliage. Floating row covers placed over the seedlings right after planting can provide excellent protection from these insects without needing sprays.
Harvesting Your Missouri Turnips
You can start harvesting turnip greens when they are young and tender, just a few inches tall. For the roots, harvest time depends on the variety. Most are ready when the root is 2 to 3 inches in diameter, usually 45 to 60 days after planting.
Don’t let them grow to large, or they can become tough and strong-flavored. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil and lift the roots. In the fall, you can harvest right through a series of frosts. A hard freeze (below 25°F) is a signal to pull any remaining roots, as they can be damaged.
Storing Your Harvest
After harvesting, twist off the greens about an inch above the root. The greens will draw moisture from the root, making it limp if left on. Store the unwashed roots in a plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer for several weeks. For longer storage, they can be kept in a cool, humid root cellar or similar conditions.
The greens are best used fresh but can be stored in the fridge for a few days. You can also blanch and freeze both the roots (cut into cubes) and the greens for enjoying your Missouri-grown turnips all winter long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you plant turnips in the summer in Missouri?
It’s not recommended. Summer heat stresses the plants, leading to poor root development and a bitter taste. Stick to spring and fall for the best results.
How late can you plant turnips in Missouri for a fall crop?
You can make a succesful planting up until about 4-5 weeks before the first hard freeze. This late planting will yield smaller roots but can still provide a nice harvest of tender greens.
Do turnips come back every year?
No, turnips are an annual vegetable. They complete their life cycle—from seed to root—in one growing season.
What are good companion plants for turnips?
Turnips grow well near peas, beans, and onions. Avoid planting them close to other root crops like potatoes, as they compete for similar soil space.
Can I grow turnips in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and use a quality potting mix. Select smaller, faster-maturing varieties like ‘Hakurei’ for best results in pots.