When To Plant Turnip Greens In Georgia

Getting your turnip greens planting time right in Georgia is the key to a long and productive harvest. Knowing exactly when to plant turnip greens in Georgia means you can enjoy their tasty leaves from fall straight through a mild winter and again in the early spring. This schedule taps into Georgia’s unique climate, letting you grow this Southern favorite with ease.

This guide walks you through the optimal planting windows for north, central, and south Georgia. We’ll cover soil prep, planting methods, and how to care for your greens so you get the best yield possible.

Georgia’s long growing season is perfect for turnip greens, which thrive in cooler weather. The state has two main planting periods: late summer for a fall/winter crop and late winter for an early spring crop. The exact dates shift depending on where you are, as frost dates vary.

Fall Planting (The Main Crop)

This is the most popular and reliable time to plant. You sow seeds in late summer so the plants mature during the cool, crisp days of fall. They can often survive the winter, especially in central and south Georgia, providing harvests for months.

North Georgia: Plant from mid-August through mid-September. Aim for about 6-8 weeks before your first average fall frost.
Central Georgia: Plant from late August through late September.
South Georgia: Plant from early September through early October.

Spring Planting

Spring planting is trickier but very rewarding. You must plant early enough that greens mature before the heat of summer arrives, which can make them bitter and cause them to bolt (go to seed).

North Georgia: Plant as soon as the soil can be worked in late February to late March.
Central Georgia: Plant from mid-February to mid-March.
South Georgia: Plant from January (late month) through February.

Using the “Days to Maturity” Guide

Always check your seed packet. Most turnip green varieties are ready for their first “greens” harvest in about 40-55 days. If you want turnip roots as well, choose a dual-purpose variety and allow extra time.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Turnip greens aren’t too fussy, but they do best in loose, fertile soil. A little prep goes a long way.

Choose a Sunny Spot: Pick a location that gets at least 6 hours of sun. In spring, full sun is great. For fall planting, a spot with afternoon shade can help in the hotter early weeks.
Test and Amend Soil: Greens prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can get a test kit from your local UGA extension office. Work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
Fertilize: Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) according to package directions when you plant. This gives seedlings a strong start.

How to Plant Turnip Greens Seeds

Direct seeding is the best method for turnip greens. They grow quickly and don’t always transplant well.

Rake the soil smooth, removing any large clumps or rocks.
Create shallow rows about ½ inch deep. Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Sow seeds thinly along the row. You can barely cover them with a fine layer of soil or compost.
Water the seeded area gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistantly moist until seeds sprout, which usually takes 4-7 days.
Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to about 4-6 inches apart. Don’t throw those thinnings away—they make a delicious first microgreen salad!

Caring for Your Turnip Greens

Consistent care ensures tender, sweet leaves and prevents problems.

Watering and Mulching

Turnip greens need about 1 inch of water per week. Use a soaker hose or water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Adding a 2-inch layer of mulch (like straw or pine straw) helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures even.

Fertilizing for Growth

For a continuous harvest, a light side-dressing of a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced organic blend) about 3-4 weeks after planting will encourage lots of leafy growth. Just be careful not to over-fertilize, which can harm the plants.

Pest and Disease Watch

Common pests in Georgia include flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage loopers. Check the undersides of leaves regularly.

Row covers right after planting can block many insects.
For aphids, a strong spray of water from the hose often does the trick.
For caterpillars, hand-picking or using an organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective.

Good spacing and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew.

Harvesting Your Bounty

You can start harvesting leaves when they are about 4-6 inches tall. The key is to harvest regularly to promote new growth.

The “Cut-and-Come-Again” Method: Use a clean knife or scissors to cut the outer, older leaves about an inch above the soil line. The young inner leaves will continue to grow, giving you many harvests from the same plant.
The Whole Plant Harvest: You can also pull the entire plant when it’s mature, especially if you need to clear space or if weather is turning too hot.

For the sweetest flavor, harvest after a light frost in the fall; the cold temps convert starches to sugars in the leaves. Always harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Some tried-and-true varieties that perform well across the state include:

Seven Top: Grown primarily for its abundant, flavorful greens, not roots.
Purple Top White Globe: A classic dual-purpose type for both greens and tasty roots.
Shogoin: Excellent for greens and produces a mild, white root.
Southern Green: A vigorous grower specifically bred for hot, humid climates.

FAQs: Turnip Greens in Georgia

Can I plant turnip greens in July in Georgia?

It’s usually too hot in July, even in north Georgia. Planting in July’s heat stresses the seeds and leads to poor germination and bitter leaves. It’s better to wait until August when temperatures begin to cool.

How late can you plant turnip greens for a fall harvest?

You can plant up until about 4-6 weeks before your first hard freeze. This gives the plants enough time to establish a good root system and produce a harvestable size. In south Georgia, this can mean planting into early November sometimes.

Will turnip greens survive a Georgia winter?

Yes, they are quite cold-hardy. Established plants can handle temperatures down into the 20s, especially if you provide some protection like a floating row cover. They often go semi-dormant in the coldest weeks but will resume growth during mild spells, giving you harvests all winter long in many areas.

What’s the difference between turnip greens and collard greens planting times?

Their schedules are very similar, as both are cool-season crops. Collards are often planted a little earlier in the fall (as early as August) because they take longer to mature and are even more cold-tolerant. But for a spring crop, the timing is nearly identical.

Can I grow turnip greens in containers?

Absolutely. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage. You may need to water container plants more frequently, as they dry out faster than garden soil. It’s a great option for patios or small spaces.

Following this optimal planting schedule for Georgia sets you up for success. With two main planting seasons, you can enjoy this nutritious and traditional green for much of the year. Just remember to keep them watered, watch for pests, and harvest often. Before you know it, you’ll have an abundance of fresh turnip greens straight from your own garden.