If you’re planning your South Carolina garden, knowing when to plant turnips is your first step to a great harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in our state’s climate, but timing is everything for the best roots and greens.
When to Plant Turnips in SC – Optimal Planting Season Guide
Getting your turnip planting dates right is the biggest factor for success. Plant at the wrong time and your crop might bolt, become woody, or simply not form a good root. Let’s break down the best windows for your area.
Primary Fall Planting Season
The fall is the absolute best time to grow turnips in South Carolina. The cooling temperatures and shorter days are perfect for developing sweet, tender roots. You’ll want to get your seeds in the ground during late summer to early fall.
- For the Upstate (Zone 7b): Plant from mid-August through the end of September.
- For the Midlands (Zone 8a): Aim for late August to early October.
- For the Coastal Plains (Zone 8b/9a): The ideal window is from September to early November.
This schedule allows the plants to mature during the crisp fall weather, which makes them taste their best. A light frost can actually improve their flavor, making them sweeter.
Spring Planting Considerations
You can also plant turnips in the spring, but it’s a bit more tricky. The goal is to harvest them before the intense summer heat arrives, which causes them to bolt and turn bitter.
- For the Upstate: Plant as soon as the soil can be worked in late February or March.
- For the Midlands and Coast: A January or February planting is often possible.
Spring-planted turnips grow fast. You need to be ready to harvest them quickly once they reach size. Many gardeners use the spring crop primarly for the delicious greens, which are less affected by the warming temps than the roots are.
Understanding Your South Carolina Growing Zone
Our state has three main USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. This affects your exact planting date more than anything else. Check a zone map to confirm yours.
- Zone 7b (Upstate): Coldest areas. Frost comes earlier in fall and lingers later in spring.
- Zone 8a (Midlands): Longer growing seasons with milder winters.
- Zone 8b/9a (Coastal): Warmest areas. You can grow turnips almost all winter long with successional planting.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your date, follow these simple steps.
- Choose Your Variety: For roots, try ‘Purple Top White Globe’. For greens, ‘Seven Top’ is excellent. Some like ‘Tokyo Cross’ are good for both and handle heat a little better.
- Prepare the Soil: Turnips need loose, well-drained soil. Work in some compost or aged manure to a depth of about 12 inches. Remove any rocks or debris that could obstruct root growth.
- Planting the Seeds: Sow seeds directly in the garden about ½ inch deep. Space them 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You’ll thin them later.
- Watering: Keep the seedbed consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 4 to 7 days. After that, about 1 inch of water per week is sufficient.
- Thinning: 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—they make a tasty addition to salads!
Essential Care Tips for SC Gardens
Turnips are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way.
Fertilizing
If your soil is prepared with compost, you may not need extra fertilizer. If growth seems slow, a light side-dressing with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer can help. Too much nitrogen gives you huge leaves but small roots.
Pest and Disease Management
Common pests in our area include flea beetles and aphids. Use floating row covers right after planting to protect young seedlings from beetles. For aphids, a strong spray of water from the hose often does the trick. Good crop rotation from year to year helps prevent soil-borne diseases.
Weeding
Keep the bed weed-free, especially when plants are young. Weeds compete for water and nutrients. A layer of mulch around the plants can help suppress weeds and keep the soil moisture even.
Harvesting Your Turnips
You can actually start harvesting whenever you like. For tender “baby” turnips, pull them when the roots are just 1-2 inches in diameter. For full-sized roots, wait until they are 2-3 inches across, usually 50-60 days after planting.
- Don’t forget the greens! You can snip a few leaves from each plant throughout the growing season without harming the root. Harvest greens when they are young and tender.
- For a fall crop, you can often leave turnips in the ground well into winter. A heavy mulch of straw will protect them from hard freezes, allowing you to harvest as needed.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here’s how to troubleshoot a couple frequent issues.
- Woody or Bitter Roots: This is almost always caused by hot weather. Stick to the recommended planting windows and ensure consistent watering.
- Roots Not Bulbing Up: The plants are probably too crowded. Thinning is essential. Also, check that your soil is loose enough deep down.
- Bolting (Flowering): If the plant sends up a flower stalk, it’s reacting to long days and warm temps. The root becomes inedible. Harvest immediately if you see this starting.
FAQ: Turnip Planting in South Carolina
Can you plant turnips in the winter in SC?
Yes, especially in the coastal zones (8b/9a). You can plant in late fall for a winter harvest. They grow slower but the flavor is excellent. Use mulch for protection during cold snaps.
What is the latest you can plant turnips?
For a fall crop, aim to get seeds in the ground at least 60 days before your first expected hard frost. In the coastal areas, this can be as late as early November. For spring, stop planting once daytime temps are consistently above 75°F.
Can I grow turnips in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and keep it well-watered. Shallow or wide pots are perfect for growing turnip greens specifically.
Do turnips come back every year?
No, turnips are an annual vegetable. They complete their life cycle—from seed to root to seed—in one growing season. You need to replant them for each crop.
By following this guide, you can enjoy two productive turnip seasons in South Carolina. The key is working with our climate, not against it. With good timing and simple care, you’ll have a plentiful harvest of this versatile vegetable from your own backyard.