If you’re planning your Arkansas 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 Arkansas – Best Planting Times for
Turnips are one of the most forgiving and productive crops you can grow here. They handle our frosty springs and mild falls perfectly. The goal is to grow them in cool weather, which makes them sweet and crisp, not bitter and woody.
Understanding Arkansas Growing Seasons
Arkansas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b through 8a. This means our winters are moderate and our growing seasons are long. Turnips prefer soil temperatures between 40°F and 75°F for germination. They can survive a light frost, and a touch of cold actually improves their flavor.
There are two main planting windows each year: spring and fall. The fall planting is often the most succesful for root production. Spring plantings focus more on quick greens before the heat arrives.
Spring Planting Dates
For a spring crop, you need to get seeds in the ground early. Wait for the soil to be workable—not too muddy. A good rule is to plant as soon as you can work the soil.
- Southern Arkansas (Zone 8a): Plant from mid-February to late March.
- Central Arkansas (Zone 7): Aim for late February through early April.
- Northern Arkansas (Zone 6b): Plant from early March to mid-April.
Spring-planted turnips grow fast. You’ll be harvesting tender greens in about 30 days and small, sweet roots shortly after. The trick is to harvest them before the summer heat sets in, as hot weather causes them to become pungent and tough.
Fall Planting Dates (The Prime Time)
Fall is the champion season for turnips in Arkansas. The cooling temperatures create ideal conditions. You plant in late summer to early fall for a harvest that can last into winter.
- Southern Arkansas (Zone 8a): Plant from late August through October.
- Central Arkansas (Zone 7): Plant from early September to mid-October.
- Northern Arkansas (Zone 6b): Plant from late August to early October.
A good target is to plant seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before your first average fall frost. You can find your frost date from your local county extension office. Fall turnips often have larger, sweeter roots and more lush greens. Many varieties can even be mulched and left in the ground for harvesting through early winter.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your date, follow these simple steps.
1. Choose Your Variety
Pick a type suited to what you want. ‘Purple Top White Globe’ is a classic, reliable Arkansas favorite. ‘Tokyo Cross’ produces fast, smooth roots. ‘Hakurei’ is a sweet, salad-style turnip. For dedicated greens, consider ‘Seven Top’ or ‘Shogoin’.
2. Prepare the Soil
Turnips need loose, well-draining soil. Rocks or heavy clay can cause misshapen roots. Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Mix in a couple inches of compost or aged manure. They don’t need a lot of nitrogen, as too much can give you all leaves and no roots.
3. Planting the Seeds
Sow seeds directly in the garden. Plant them about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You can also broadcast seeds in a wide row for a patch of greens. Keep the soil consistently moist for germination, which takes 4 to 7 days.
4. Thinning the Seedlings
This is a crucial step! Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to stand 4 to 6 inches apart. Crowded turnips won’t form good roots. Don’t throw those thinnings away—they make a delicious addition to a salad or stir-fry.
Caring for Your Turnip Crop
Turnips are low-maintenance, but a little care gives a big payoff.
- Watering: Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Even moisture is vital for smooth, non-bitter roots. Inconsistent watering can lead to cracked or woody turnips.
- Weeding: Keep the bed weed-free, especially when plants are young. Weeds compete for nutrients and water. A layer of straw mulch can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Fertilizing: If your soil is prepared with compost, extra fertilizer usually isn’t needed. If growth seems slow, a light side-dressing of a balanced fertilizer can help.
- Pests and Problems: Watch for flea beetles (tiny holes in leaves) and cabbage loopers. Row covers are an effective organic solution. Also, rotating your crops each year helps prevent soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting Your Bounty
You can start harvesting tender greens when they are about 4-6 inches tall. Just snip a few from each plant. For roots, they are usually ready when they are 2 to 3 inches in diameter, but you can pull them any size you like. Small, young turnips are very tender.
Use a garden fork to loosen the soil beside the root and gently pull. For a fall crop, a hard frost (below 20°F) can damage roots, so its best to harvest or mulch heavily before extreme cold. Properly stored in a cool, humid place, they can last for months.
Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest
To avoid a glut, try succession planting. Instead of planting all your seeds at once, plant a small row every 10 to 14 days during your planting window. This staggers your harvest, giving you a steady supply of fresh turnips over several weeks. It’s a great way to manage your garden’s output.
FAQs: Planting Turnips in Arkansas
Can you plant turnips in the summer in Arkansas?
It’s not recommended. Summer heat stresses the plants, causing poor root development and a strong, unpleasant flavor. They bolt (go to seed) quickly. Stick to spring and fall for the best results.
What is the latest you can plant turnips in Arkansas?
For a fall crop, you can plant up until about 4-6 weeks before the first hard freeze. In central Arkansas, that often means a final planting in very early November for a late fall harvest of small roots and greens.
Do turnips come back every year?
No, turnips are an annual crop. They complete their life cycle—from seed to root to flower—in one growing season. You need to replant them each spring or fall.
Can I grow turnips in containers?
Absolutely. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure the pot has good drainage. Follow the same thinning guidelines, and be diligent about watering, as containers dry out faster.
Why are my turnips all top and no bottom?
This usually means too much nitrogen in the soil or overcrowding. It can also happen if the weather turns too hot too fast. Next time, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, thin seedlings properly, and stick to the recommended planting times.
Getting your timing right is the biggest step. By following these simple calender dates and tips, you’ll be well on your way to a plentiful harvest of this Southern garden staple. The crisp roots and nutritious greens are well worth the small effort it takes to grow them.