Washington’s consistent rainfall makes early spring the ideal window for sowing turnip seeds directly. Finding the best time to plant turnip in Washington depends on your specific region, but the general rule is to aim for cool soil temperatures between 45°F and 65°F. Turnips thrive in the cool, moist conditions that Washington’s spring and fall seasons provide, making them a reliable crop for both new and experienced gardeners.
Turnips are a fast-growing root vegetable that can be ready to harvest in as little as 30 to 60 days. Because they prefer cool weather, planting them at the right time is crucial to avoid bolting or woody roots. In Washington, you have two main planting windows: early spring for a summer harvest, and late summer for a fall harvest.
Let’s break down the exact timing and methods for each region of Washington, from the wet western side to the drier eastern side. You’ll get a clear, step-by-step plan that works for your garden.
Best Time To Plant Turnip In Washington
The absolute best time to plant turnip in Washington is when the soil is workable and temperatures are consistently cool. For most of the state, this means:
- Spring planting: March through April, as soon as the ground thaws and can be worked.
- Fall planting: Late July through August, for a harvest before the first hard frost.
These windows give turnips the cool weather they need to develop sweet, tender roots. If you plant too late in spring, the heat will cause the roots to become tough and bitter. If you plant too early in fall, the seeds might not germinate in warm soil.
Regional Differences Across Washington
Washington is diverse in climate. The western side, including Seattle and Olympia, has mild, wet winters and cool summers. The eastern side, like Spokane and the Columbia Basin, has colder winters and hotter, drier summers. Your exact planting dates will vary.
Here’s a quick guide for each region:
- Western Washington (zones 7-8): Spring planting from mid-March to early April. Fall planting from late July to mid-August.
- Eastern Washington (zones 5-6): Spring planting from early April to late April. Fall planting from early August to late August.
- Coastal areas (zones 8-9): Spring planting from late February to March. Fall planting from late August to September.
Always check your local frost dates. Turnips can tolerate light frosts, which actually sweeten the roots. However, hard freezes below 25°F can damage or kill the plants.
Soil Temperature Matters More Than Air Temperature
Turnip seeds germinate best when the soil temperature is between 50°F and 60°F. You can use a soil thermometer to check. If the soil is too cold (below 40°F), seeds may rot. If it’s too warm (above 75°F), germination drops significantly.
In Washington, spring soil often warms up slowly. To speed things up, you can:
- Cover the planting bed with black plastic for a week before sowing.
- Raise the bed to improve drainage and warmth.
- Wait until the soil is dry enough to crumble, not clump.
Fall planting is easier because the soil is already warm from summer. But you need to time it so the turnips mature before the ground freezes. Count back 60 days from your first expected frost date to find your last planting date.
Step-By-Step Guide For Spring Planting
Spring planting is the most common choice for Washington gardeners. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Prepare Your Soil
Turnips need loose, well-draining soil free of rocks and clumps. Remove any weeds and debris. Work in 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure to improve fertility and texture. Avoid fresh manure, which can cause forked roots.
Test your soil pH. Turnips prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, add lime in the fall before planting. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur.
2. Sow Seeds Directly
Turnips do not transplant well. Always sow seeds directly in the garden. Plant them 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
For a continuous harvest, sow a new row every 2 to 3 weeks until the weather gets too warm. This is called succession planting.
3. Thin Seedlings
Once seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart. This gives the roots room to grow. You can eat the thinnings as microgreens or add them to salads.
Thinning is important. Crowded turnips will produce small, misshapen roots. Use scissors to snip off the extra plants at soil level to avoid disturbing the roots of the remaining plants.
4. Water Consistently
Turnips need about 1 inch of water per week. Washington’s spring rains often provide enough moisture, but if there’s a dry spell, water deeply. Inconsistent watering can cause the roots to crack or become woody.
Mulch around the plants with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy.
Step-By-Step Guide For Fall Planting
Fall turnips are often sweeter because the cooler temperatures increase sugar content. Here’s how to plant for a fall harvest.
1. Choose The Right Timing
Count back 60 to 70 days from your first expected frost date. For most of Washington, this means planting in late July or August. In western Washington, you can plant as late as early September in mild years.
Check your local frost dates online or ask at a garden center. The goal is to have the turnips mature before the ground freezes solid.
2. Prepare The Bed
After summer crops are done, clear the bed of debris. Add a light layer of compost if needed. The soil will still be warm, which helps seeds germinate quickly.
If the soil is dry, water it thoroughly a day before planting. This gives the seeds a moist environment to start.
3. Sow And Care For Fall Turnips
Follow the same planting depth and spacing as spring. Water regularly, especially if late summer is dry. Fall turnips may need more water than spring ones because the air is warmer at first.
As the weather cools, growth slows. But the roots will continue to size up. A light frost actually improves flavor, so don’t rush to harvest.
4. Protect From Early Frosts
If a hard freeze is forecast, cover the turnips with a row cover or old blanket. This can extend your harvest by a few weeks. Turnips can survive light frosts but not prolonged freezes below 25°F.
You can also mulch heavily with straw to insulate the soil. This allows you to harvest turnips well into November in many parts of Washington.
Best Turnip Varieties For Washington
Choosing the right variety makes a big difference. Some turnips are better for spring, others for fall. Here are top picks for Washington’s climate.
- Purple Top White Globe: A classic, reliable variety. Grows well in both spring and fall. Tolerates a range of soil conditions.
- Tokyo Cross: A fast-maturing hybrid (35 days). Great for spring planting. Roots are small, sweet, and tender.
- Hakurei: A Japanese salad turnip. Very sweet and crisp. Best for fall planting in western Washington.
- Golden Ball: A yellow-fleshed heirloom. Good for storage. Does well in eastern Washington’s drier conditions.
- White Egg: An old variety with smooth, mild roots. Perfect for spring succession planting.
For the best results, choose varieties that match your planting season. Fast-maturing types are ideal for spring, while storage types work well for fall.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with turnips. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.
- Planting too late in spring: If temperatures exceed 75°F, turnips bolt and become bitter. Plant early.
- Not thinning: Crowded turnips produce tiny, tough roots. Thin to 4-6 inches apart.
- Overwatering: While turnips need consistent moisture, soggy soil can cause root rot. Ensure good drainage.
- Ignoring soil pH: Acidic soil leads to poor growth. Test and amend as needed.
- Planting in heavy clay: Turnips need loose soil. Raised beds or containers work better in clay areas.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll get a much better harvest.
Harvesting And Storing Turnips
Knowing when to harvest is just as important as planting at the right time. Turnips are best when they are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Larger roots can become woody and strong-flavored.
Harvest by gently pulling the roots from the soil. If the soil is compacted, use a garden fork to loosen it first. Cut off the greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem. The greens are edible and nutritious.
Store turnips in a cool, dark place. A root cellar or refrigerator works well. They can last for several months if kept at 32°F to 40°F with high humidity. Do not wash them before storing; brush off excess dirt.
For long-term storage, you can also blanch and freeze turnips. They retain their texture well for soups and stews.
Using Turnip Greens
Don’t throw away the greens. They are packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Wash them thoroughly and cook them like spinach or kale. Sauté with garlic and olive oil for a quick side dish.
Young, tender greens can be eaten raw in salads. Older greens are better cooked. Harvest the greens when they are 4 to 6 inches tall for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I plant turnips in Washington in the summer?
Summer planting is not recommended because the heat causes poor germination and woody roots. Stick to spring and fall.
2. What is the latest I can plant turnips in Washington?
For fall harvest, plant no later than 60 days before your first expected frost. In western Washington, that’s usually mid-September. In eastern Washington, it’s late August.
3. Do turnips need full sun in Washington?
Yes, turnips need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade can reduce root size.
4. How deep should I plant turnip seeds?
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep. In heavy clay soil, plant slightly shallower, about 1/4 inch deep.
5. Can I grow turnips in containers in Washington?
Yes, choose a container at least 12 inches deep. Use loose potting soil and water regularly. Place in a sunny spot.
Final Tips For Success
Washington’s climate is ideal for turnips if you time it right. Remember these key points:
- Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- Check soil temperature, not just air temperature.
- Thin seedlings to avoid crowding.
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells.
- Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches for tender texture.
With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown turnips from your Washington garden for months. Start with a small patch and expand as you gain confidence. Happy gardening!