When To Plant Turnip Greens In The South

If you’re wondering when to plant turnip greens in the south, you’re in the right place. Timing is everything for a successful, long-lasting harvest in our warm climate. This guide will walk you through the best planting windows, variety choices, and simple care tips to get the most from your garden.

Southern gardeners have a big advantage: we can often grow turnip greens for much of the year. The key is working with our unique seasons, not against them. Let’s break down the optimal schedule so you can enjoy this nutritious, fast-growing green almost continuously.

The classic planting times are late summer through fall. But with the right planning, you can have three distinct planting seasons across the South.

Primary Fall Planting (The Sweet Spot)

This is the most popular and reliable time. Planting in late summer allows the greens to mature during the cool, crisp days of fall. The flavor actually improves after a light frost.

Upper South (Zone 6-7): Plant from mid-August through late September.
Middle South (Zone 8): Plant from early September to mid-October.
Lower/Gulf South (Zone 9-10): Plant from late September through November.

Late Winter / Early Spring Planting

Get a jump on spring by sowing seeds as soon as the soil can be worked. The goal is to harvest before the summer heat arrives, which can make the greens bitter and cause them to bolt.

Upper South: Plant in early to mid-March.
Middle South: Plant in late February to early March.
Lower/Gulf South: Plant in January through February.

Summer Planting (A Tricky Option)

In the cooler parts of the Upper South, you can try a summer planting for a late fall harvest. Choose heat-tolerant varieties and provide afternoon shade. It’s less predictable but can be rewarding.

Choosing the Right Turnip Green Varieties

Not all turnips are grown the same. Some are bred for their roots, while others are perfect for lush greens. Here are top picks for Southern gardens:

Seven Top: A classic, grown almost exclusively for its flavorful, leafy tops. It’s very reliable.
Purple Top White Globe: A dual-purpose favorite. You get nice greens and a good-sized, sweet root.
Shogoin: Another excellent dual-purpose type, known for its tender leaves.
Southern Green: As the name implies, it’s a standout for hot weather tolerance.
Topper: A great choice if you plan to do multiple cuttings of the greens.

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.

Location: Pick a spot that gets full sun (at least 6 hours). In spring, the more sun the better. In fall, they’ll tolerate a bit of light shade.
Soil: Loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep. Remove any large rocks or weeds clumps.
Fertilizer: Mix in a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or several inches of well-rotted compost. They like a soil that’s rich in nitrogen for leaf growth.
pH Level: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test from your local extension office can confirm this.

How to Plant Turnip Green Seeds

Direct sowing is the way to go. Turnip greens grow so fast that starting seeds indoors isn’t usually necessary.

Create shallow rows about ½ inch deep. Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Sow the seeds thinly along the row. You can place them about an inch apart.
Cover the seeds lightly with fine soil or compost and pat down gently.
Water the area thoroughly using a gentle spray to avoid washing the seeds away.
Seeds typically sprout in just 4 to 7 days with consistent moisture.

Caring for Your Growing Greens

Once they’re up, a few simple steps will ensure tender, productive plants.

Thinning Seedlings

This is a crucial step that many gardeners skip. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and won’t produce well.

When seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 4 to 6 inches apart.
You can actually eat the thinnings! They make a tasty addition to a early salad.

Watering and Mulching

Consistent water is the secret to preventing bitterness and encouraging quick growth.

Provide about 1 inch of water per week, more during dry spells.
Water at the base of the plants to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (straw, pine needles, shredded leaves) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing for Success

A light feeding about 3-4 weeks after planting gives them a boost.

Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer, like fish emulsion or a balanced vegetable food.
Follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid over-fertilizing.
If you’re growing for greens only, you can side-dress again after your first major harvest.

Managing Common Pests and Problems

Southern gardens come with a few specific challenges. Here’s how to handle them.

Flea Beetles: These tiny jumping insects make small holes in leaves. Use floating row covers from planting to protect young plants. Diatomaceous earth can also help.
Cabbage Loopers & Armyworms: Handpick these caterpillars if you see them. For larger problems, use an organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, which is very effective.
Aphids: A strong blast of water from the hose can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap is a good option for persistent infestations.
Bolting: This is when the plant sends up a flower stalk, making the leaves bitter. It’s triggered by warm temperatures. The best prevention is planting at the correct time for your season.

Harvesting Your Turnip Greens

You can start harvesting in as little as 30 days for “baby” greens. For full-sized leaves, it usually takes 40-55 days.

The “Cut-and-Come-Again” Method: This is the most popular technique. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the outer, older leaves about 2 inches above the soil line. The center of the plant will continue to produce new leaves for multiple harvests.
The Whole Plant Harvest: You can also pull up the entire plant when it’s a good size. If you planted a dual-purpose variety, don’t forget to enjoy the turnip root too!
Best Time to Harvest: Pick greens in the cool of the morning when they are crisp and full of moisture.

Storing and Using Your Bounty

Fresh turnip greens are best used right away, but you can store them properly if needed.

Rinse leaves in cool water and spin or pat them dry.
Store in a plastic bag or container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They should last up to a week.
For long-term storage, blanch and freeze them. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you plant turnip greens in the spring in the South?

Yes, absolutely. Spring planting is a great way to get an early harvest. Just be sure to plant them as early as possible so they mature before the summer heat sets in, which can make them bolt and turn bitter.

What month do you plant turnips in the South?

For a fall harvest, plant from August to October, depending on your specific zone. For a spring harvest, plant from January to March. The exact month varies widely from Texas to Georgia to the Carolinas, so always use your local frost dates as a guide.

Do turnip greens come back every year?

No, turnip greens are an annual crop. They complete their life cycle—from seed to harvest—in one growing season. However, because you can plant them in both spring and fall, you can get two distinct harvest periods in one year.

How late can you sow turnip greens?

In the Lower South, you can often sow seeds into early winter for a late winter harvest. In the Upper South, your last practical sowing for a fall harvest is usually about 6-8 weeks before your first expected hard frost. They grow slower in cooler, shorter days.

Getting the timing right for planting turnip greens in the South is the first step to a plentiful crop. By following these seasonal guidelines and providing simple care, you’ll have a steady supply of this Southern staple. Remember to choose the right variety for the season, keep them watered, and don’t be afraid to start harvesting early. Your garden, and your dinner table, will thank you for it.