If you’re gardening in zone 7, knowing when to plant turnips is the key to a great harvest. This cool-season crop thrives in the mild temperatures of spring and fall, and timing it right means you’ll get sweet, tender roots every time.
Zone 7 offers a long growing season with distinct windows for planting. Turnips are not fussy, but they do have their preferences. Getting them in the ground at the optimal moment helps you avoid issues like woody texture or premature bolting. Let’s look at the best schedule for your garden.
When to Plant Turnips in Zone 7
For zone 7 gardeners, you have two excellent planting periods: early spring and late summer. The goal is to grow turnips during cool weather, as heat causes them to become bitter and tough.
Your spring planting should happen as soon as the soil can be worked. This is typically 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. For most of zone 7, that falls between late February and mid-March. You can succession plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
The fall planting window is even more productive. Aim to sow seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before your first average fall frost. In zone 7, this is usually from mid-August through September. Fall-grown turnips often have a sweeter flavor after a light frost.
Understanding Your Zone 7 Frost Dates
Your local frost dates are your best guide. While averages provide a framework, microclimates in your yard matter.
- Average Last Spring Frost: Early to mid-April.
- Average First Fall Frost: Mid to late October.
Use these dates to count backwards for your planting schedule. Always have some row cover handy for unexpected late spring cold snaps.
Spring Planting Steps
Spring planting is all about catching the cool, moist soil. Follow these steps for success.
- Prepare the soil as soon as it’s no longer soggy. Turnips prefer loose, well-draining soil.
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
- Water gently but thoroughly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- Thin seedlings to 3-6 inches apart once they are a few inches tall. Use the thinned greens in salads!
Fall Planting Steps
Fall planting requires a bit more planning, as you’re working in the summer heat for a fall harvest.
- Clear a space in your garden in late summer. You can plant after early crops like beans or peas.
- Ensure the soil is moist before planting. You may need to water the area a day before sowing.
- Plant seeds at the same depth as spring. Consider providing light shade for the first week if temperatures are very high.
- Keep the seedbed consistently moist for good germination, which can take as little as 4-7 days.
Choosing the Right Turnip Varieties for Zone 7
Some varieties perform exceptionally well in the variable climate of zone 7. Here are a few reliable choices:
- ‘Purple Top White Globe’: A classic, reliable heirloom with great storage potential.
- ‘Hakurei’: A sweet, salad-type turnip for fresh eating; matures quickly.
- ‘Scarlet Queen’: Has vibrant red roots and holds its color when cooked.
- ‘Seven Top’: Grown primarily for its flavorful greens, though the roots are small.
For spring, choose fast-maturing varieties to harvest before the heat. In fall, you can grow any type, including larger, storage varieties.
Preparing Your Soil for Turnips
Turnips grow best in loose, fertile soil. Heavy clay can cause misshapen roots. Here’s how to get your bed ready.
Work the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Remove any large rocks or debris that could obstruct root growth. Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and provides nutrients.
Avoid using fresh nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as this can encourage leafy top growth at the expense of the root. A balanced, all-purpose organic fertilizer worked into the soil before planting is sufficient.
Caring for Your Turnip Crop
Once planted, turnips need consistent care for the best yield. The main tasks are watering, weeding, and pest monitoring.
Water is crucial, especially during root development. Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Inconsistent watering can lead to cracked or pithy roots. A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, which compete with the shallow roots of turnips.
Watch out for common pests like flea beetles and cabbage root maggots. Floating row covers placed over the seedlings immediately after planting are an effective organic barrier. Check your plants regularly for small holes in leaves.
When and How to Harvest
Harvest time depends on whether you want tender baby turnips or full-sized storage roots. Most varieties are ready in 45-60 days.
- For greens: You can start harvesting young leaves when they are 4-6 inches tall.
- For baby turnips: Pull them when the roots are about 2 inches in diameter.
- For full-sized roots: Harvest when they are 3-4 inches across, before heavy freezes.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the root with a garden fork and pull. In fall, you can leave turnips in the ground under a thick layer of mulch for winter harvesting in milder periods.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with good timing, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to address them.
If your turnips are all tops and no bottoms, the soil may be too nitrogen-rich or plants are too crowded. Ensure proper thinning. Woody or bitter roots are usually caused by hot weather or letting them grow too large. Stick to your planting schedule and harvest on time.
Bolting, where the plant sends up a flower stalk, happens when there’s a sudden shift from cool to hot weather in spring. Using bolt-resistant varieties for spring planting can help, but fall planting usally avoids this problem entirely.
Storing Your Turnip Harvest
Proper storage lets you enjoy your harvest for months. For roots, twist off the tops, leaving about an inch of stem. Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them.
Store turnips in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for a few weeks. For long-term storage, place them in a box of slightly damp sand or sawdust in a cool, humid location like a root cellar. The ideal conditions are near-freezing temperatures with high humidity.
FAQ: Planting Turnips in Zone 7
Can you plant turnips in July in zone 7?
Late July can work for a very early fall crop, but it’s often too hot. It’s better to wait until mid-August for reliable germination and growth. If you plant in July, provide shade and extra water.
What is the latest date to plant turnips for a fall harvest?
Aim to get seeds in the ground by early October at the very latest. This gives them enough time to mature before hard freezes halt growth. Using row covers can extend the season a bit longer.
Do turnips come back every year?
No, turnips are biennials grown as annuals. They complete their life cycle—growing roots one year and flowering the next—within two growing seasons. We harvest them in the first year for the root.
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. Water more frequently, as containers dry out faster than garden soil.
Why are my turnip roots long and thin?
This is often a sign of soil that is too compacted or heavy. The root is struggling to expand. For your next planting, amend the soil generously with compost to create a looser, friable texture that allows for proper bulb formation.