When To Plant Turnips In Nc

If you’re planning your North Carolina garden, knowing when to plant turnips is crucial for a great harvest. This guide will walk you through the best planting times for both the roots and the greens across our state’s varied climates.

Turnips are a fantastic, dual-purpose crop that thrives in cooler weather. Getting the timing right means you’ll enjoy sweet, tender roots and lush, flavorful greens. North Carolina’s long growing season and distinct regions offer two main planting windows: one in spring and a more important one in late summer to fall.

For most gardeners in North Carolina, the primary planting for root harvest is in late summer to early fall. Aim to sow seeds directly in the garden about 6 to 8 weeks before your first average fall frost date. This allows turnips to mature during the cool, crisp days of autumn, which sweetens the roots.

A second, smaller planting can be done in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This is often better for harvesting greens, as spring-planted turnips can become woody or bolt (flower) quickly when summer heat arrives.

Understanding NC’s Climate Zones

North Carolina spans USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 8b. This range affects frost dates and, therefore, your ideal planting schedule.

Mountains (Zone 5b-7a): Frost comes earlier in fall and later in spring. Fall planting: late July to mid-August. Spring planting: late March to early April.
Piedmont (Zone 7a-7b): This is the central region. Fall planting: mid-August to early September. Spring planting: late February to mid-March.
Coastal Plain (Zone 7b-8b): Warmer winters and a longer season. Fall planting: late August to late September. Spring planting: February to early March.

Fall Planting for the Best Roots

The fall planting window is your best bet for large, sweet turnip roots. The cooling temperatures trigger the plant to store energy in its root, resulting in a better flavor and texture. You can also continuosly harvest the greens throughout the season.

Find your first average fall frost date (check with your local NC cooperative extension).
Count back 50 to 80 days, depending on the variety’s “days to maturity” listed on the seed packet.
Plant your seeds in that window. For a extended harvest, make small sucesive plantings every 10-14 days.

Spring Planting for Early Greens

Spring-planted turnips are excellent for a early crop of “turnip greens.” The goal is to harvest them before the summer heat stresses the plants. The roots from spring planting are often smaller but still tasty if harvested promptly.

Plant seeds as soon as soil temperature reaches at least 40°F and the ground is no longer soggy.
Be prepared to harvest the entire plant, roots and all, before consistent 75°F+ weather sets in.
Choose faster-maturing varieties like ‘Tokyo Cross’ (35 days) for spring.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for successful turnip planting in your NC garden.

Choose a Site: Pick a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours). Turnips can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer areas.
Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil to 12-15 inches deep. Turnips prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Mix in 2-4 inches of compost or aged manure. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds ½ inch deep. Space them about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart.
Water Gently: Keep the seedbed consistently moist until seedlings emerge in 4-7 days.
Thin Seedlings: Once they are 4 inches tall, thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart for root varieties. For greens-only, you can thin to 2-3 inches. Use the thinned greens in salads!

Caring for Your Turnip Crop

Proper care is simple but makes a huge difference in your harvest’s quality.

Watering: Provide 1 inch of water per week. Even moisture is key to prevent roots from becoming tough or cracking.
Fertilizing: If your soil is prepared well, little extra fertilizer is needed. A light side-dressing of a balanced fertilizer 3-4 weeks after planting can help.
Weeding: Weed carefully around young plants. A layer of straw or leaf mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pests & Diseases: Watch for flea beetles (use row covers) and aphids (blast with water). Crop rotation helps prevent soil-borne diseases.

Recommended Turnip Varieties for NC

Choosing the right variety ensures a harvest suited to your taste and timing.

Purple Top White Globe: A reliable, classic heirloom. Good for roots and greens, stores well. 55 days.
Hakurei: A sweet, salad-type turnip. Best eaten fresh and small. Excellent for spring and fall. 38 days.
Seven Top: Grown primarily for its abundant, tasty greens. The roots are small. 45 days for greens.
Scarlet Queen: Has vibrant red skin and a sweet flavor. Holds its quality well. 45 days.

Harvesting and Storing Your Turnips

You can begin harvesting greens when they are 4-6 inches tall. Just snip a few leaves from each plant, and they will regrow. For the roots, harvest when they are 2-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor. You can leave them in the ground through several light frosts, which improves sweetness.

For storage, twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem. Store the unwashed roots in a plastic bag in your refrigerator crisper drawer for several weeks. For longer storage, they can be kept in a cold, humid root cellar or buried in moist sand.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even experienced gardeners face a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.

Woody or Bitter Roots: Caused by hot weather, uneven watering, or letting them grow too large. Stick to the planting windows and harvest on time.
Bolting (Flowering): Triggered by a period of cold weather followed by warmth in spring-planted crops. Focus on fall planting or use bolt-resistant varieties in spring.
Small or Misshapen Roots: Often due to overcrowding, poor soil, or rocks in the soil. Thin properly and prepare your bed deeply.

FAQs: Planting Turnips in North Carolina

Can you plant turnips in the summer in NC?

It’s not recommended for root production. Summer heat causes poor germination, bitter roots, and bolting. The exception is if you are growing a specific variety for greens in partial shade.

What is the latest you can plant turnips for a fall harvest?

You can plant up until about 4-5 weeks before the first hard frost. At this point, you will primarily harvest baby turnips and greens, which is still worthwhile.

Can turnips survive a frost in North Carolina?

Yes! Turnips are very frost-tolerant. A light frost actually improves the flavor of the roots. They can survive temperatures down to the mid-20s, especially with some row cover protection.

How long does it take turnips to grow in NC?

From seed, most varieties are ready for root harvest in 45 to 60 days. Greens can be harvested in as little as 30 days. Always check the “days to maturity” on your seed packet.

Should I start turnip seeds indoors?

No, it’s not necessary and can disturb the root. Turnips grow best when seeds are sown directly into the garden bed where they will mature.

By following these regional guidelines for when to plant turnips in NC, you’ll set your garden up for success. With simple soil preparation and timely care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this classic southern vegetable. Remember, the fall planting is your secret weapon for the sweetest, most tender roots your family will love.