When To Plant Turnips In Louisiana

If you’re planning a garden in Louisiana, knowing when to plant turnips is key to a great harvest. Getting the timing right for when to plant turnips in Louisiana means you’ll enjoy sweet roots and tender greens from your own backyard.

Louisiana’s long, warm growing season is perfect for turnips. You can actually plant them twice a year for two separate harvests. This guide gives you the simple schedule and tips you need for success.

The best planting times for turnips in Louisiana are split between the cool seasons of early spring and late summer to fall. Turnips are a cool-weather crop, which means they grow best when temperatures are mild.

Planting at the right time avoids the bitter taste and tough texture that heat causes. Here’s your simple seasonal schedule:

Fall Planting (Primary Crop): This is the most popular and reliable time. Sow seeds from late August through October. A mid-September planting is often ideal. The cooling weather allows roots to develop sweetness and greens to stay tender.
Spring Planting (Secondary Crop): You can plant a spring crop as soon as the soil can be worked. This is usually from late January in the southern parishes to late February or early March in northern areas. The goal is to harvest before the intense summer heat arrives.

Understanding Your Louisiana Climate Zone

Louisiana spans USDA hardiness zones 8a to 9b. This affects your exact planting dates.

North Louisiana (Zones 8a-8b): Start your fall planting a bit later, from early September to mid-October. For spring, wait until mid-to-late February.
South Louisiana (Zones 9a-9b): You can start your fall planting in late August. For spring, you can often sow seeds in late January or early February.

Always use the local frost dates as your guide. Your parish extension office is a fantastic resource for hyper-local advice.

Preparing Your Soil for Turnips

Turnips aren’t too picky, but they do best in loose, well-draining soil. Heavy clay soil can cause misshapen roots. Here’s how to get your bed ready:

Choose a Sunny Spot: Pick a location that gets at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
Loosen the Soil: Till or dig the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Remove any large rocks or debris that could obstruct root growth.
Amend the Soil: Mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and fertility. Turnips prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0 to 7.0).
Fertilize Lightly: Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer according to package directions. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will promote leafy top growth at the expense of the root.

How to Plant Turnip Seeds Correctly

Turnips are grown directly from seed sown into the garden. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Create Rows or Beds: You can plant in traditional rows or broadcast seeds over a wide, prepared bed.
Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. If planting in rows, space them about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Initial Spacing: Scatter seeds along the row. Don’t worry about perfect spacing at this stage.
Water Gently: Use a fine mist to water the seeded area thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds sprout, which usually takes 4 to 7 days.

Thinning Your Turnip Seedlings

This is a crucial step many gardeners skip. Once seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, you must thin them.

Use scissors to snip off excess seedlings at the soil line, leaving the strongest ones.
For turnips grown primarily for roots, thin to 3 to 4 inches apart.
If you’re growing them mainly for greens, you can thin to about 2 inches apart.

Thinning gives the remaining plants room to develope properly. The young thinnings are edible and make a great addition to salads!

Caring for Your Turnip Plants

Ongoing care is simple but important for healthy growth.

Watering: Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Consistent moisture is vital for preventing roots from becoming woody or cracked. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent options.
Weeding: Keep the area around your turnips free of weeds, which compete for nutrients. Mulching with straw or leaves can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Pest Watch: Watch out for common pests like flea beetles and aphids. Row covers can provide a physical barrier. For mild infestations, a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap is often effective.

Harvesting Your Louisiana Turnips

One of the joys of turnips is that you can harvest them at multiple stages.

Greens: You can begin harvesting young, tender leaves when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall. Take just a few leaves from each plant so it can keep growing.
Roots: Most varieties are ready for harvest 45 to 60 days after planting. The roots are best when they are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Gently pull one to check its size.

For your fall crop, a light frost can actually improve the flavor, making the roots taste sweeter. If a hard freeze is expected, its a good idea to harvest your remaining roots and store them in a cool, humid place.

Recommended Turnip Varieties for Louisiana

Choosing the right variety can make a big difference. Here are some reliable choices for our climate:

Purple Top White Globe: The classic variety. Reliable, with a purple crown and white bottom. Good for both roots and greens.
Tokyo Cross (or Hakurei): A fast-maturing, sweet, white salad turnip. Excellent for spring planting when you need a quick harvest.
Seven Top: Grown primarily for its abundant, flavorful greens. The roots are less significant but still edible.
Shogoin: Another superb dual-purpose variety, known for its large, tasty greens and medium-sized white roots.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them:

Roots Are Bitter or Woody: This is usually caused by hot weather or inconsistent watering. Stick to the recommended planting windows and water regularly.
Roots Are Small or Misshapen: Often caused by overcrowding (not thinning), poor soil, or rocks in the soil. Ensure you thin properly and prepare your bed well.
Holes in Leaves: Likely flea beetles. Use row covers when plants are young, or apply an approved organic insecticide if the damage is severe.
Yellowing Leaves: Could be a sign of nutrient deficiency, overwatering, or disease. Check soil moisture and consider a side-dressing of compost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you plant turnips in the summer in Louisiana?

It’s not recommended. Summer heat stresses the plants, causing poor root development and a bitter taste. The best planting times are during the cooler periods of spring and fall.

How late can you plant turnips in Louisiana?

For a fall crop, you can plant as late as early November in south Louisiana. However, the roots will be smaller if they don’t have enough time to mature before growth slows in winter.

Do turnips come back every year?

No, turnips are an annual vegetable. They complete their life cycle—from seed to harvest—in one growing season. You need to replant them for each crop.

What is the best fertilizer for turnips?

A balanced, all-purpose vegetable garden fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) works well. Apply it at planting time according to the label. Too much nitrogen will give you lots of leaves but small roots.

Can I grow turnips in containers?

Yes! Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide. Use a quality potting mix and ensure the pot has good drainage. Stick to the same planting times and thin seedlings properly.

By following these guidelines for when to plant turnips in Louisiana, you’ll set yourself up for a productive and tasty harvest. Remember, the secret is in the timing and simple, consistent care. With a little planning, you can enjoy this versatile, nutritious crop from your own garden.