Alabama’s warm autumns let turnips thrive when planted from late summer onward. Knowing the best time to plant turnip in alabama is key to a successful harvest. Turnips are a cool-season crop that can handle light frost, making them perfect for the state’s mild winters.
You want to plant turnips when the soil is still warm but the air is cooling down. This gives the seeds a good start before the real cold hits. In Alabama, that window is usually from mid-August through early October.
Turnips grow fast. You can get both the greens and the roots in about 6 to 8 weeks. That means you can plant multiple times for a steady supply.
Let’s break down exactly when and how to plant turnips in Alabama. We’ll cover soil prep, variety choices, and care tips.
Best Time To Plant Turnip In Alabama
The exact timing depends on where you live in Alabama. The state has three main growing zones: North, Central, and South. Each zone has a slightly different ideal planting window.
Northern Alabama Planting Window
In northern Alabama (zones 7a and 7b), the first frost usually comes in mid-October. You want to plant turnips about 8 weeks before that first frost. That means your planting window is from early August to early September.
- Plant from August 1 to September 15
- Harvest greens starting in late September
- Harvest roots from mid-October onward
If you plant too late, the roots won’t have time to size up before the ground freezes. If you plant too early, the heat can make the greens bitter and the roots woody.
Central Alabama Planting Window
Central Alabama (zones 8a and 8b) has a longer growing season. The first frost comes in late October to early November. You can plant turnips from mid-August through early October.
- Plant from August 15 to October 10
- Harvest greens starting in late September
- Harvest roots from late October through December
Central Alabama’s mild autumns are ideal for turnips. You can even do a second planting in late September for a winter harvest.
Southern Alabama Planting Window
Southern Alabama (zones 8b and 9a) has very mild winters. The first frost may not come until December or even later. You can plant turnips from late August through November.
- Plant from August 20 to November 15
- Harvest greens starting in early October
- Harvest roots from November through January
In southern Alabama, you can grow turnips all winter long. Just watch out for heavy rains that can rot the roots.
Why Timing Matters For Turnip Growth
Turnips are a cool-season crop. They grow best when temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F. If it’s too hot, the plants bolt (go to seed) quickly. If it’s too cold, growth slows down.
Alabama’s summers are hot and humid. Planting turnips in the middle of summer is a bad idea. The heat stresses the plants, and you’ll get poor yields.
Planting in late summer or early fall lets the turnips grow during the cooler part of the year. The soil is still warm from summer, so seeds germinate fast. Then the cooler air helps the roots develop slowly, which makes them sweeter.
Turnips also need consistent moisture. Alabama’s fall rains usually provide enough water, but you may need to irrigate during dry spells.
Soil Temperature For Turnip Seeds
Turnip seeds germinate best when the soil temperature is between 60°F and 85°F. In Alabama, the soil in late August is usually around 80°F. That’s perfect for quick germination.
If you plant in early August, the soil might be too hot (above 85°F). Seeds can still germinate, but they may be slower and less uniform. If you plant in October, the soil might be below 60°F, and germination will be slow.
You can use a soil thermometer to check. Just stick it 2 inches deep in the soil. If it’s between 60°F and 85°F, you’re good to go.
How To Plant Turnips In Alabama
Planting turnips is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Alabama gardens.
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Turnips need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Prepare the soil by removing weeds and rocks. Turnips grow best in loose, sandy loam soil. If your soil is heavy clay, add compost or aged manure.
- Test the soil pH. Turnips prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If it’s too acidic, add lime. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur.
- Sow seeds directly in the garden. Turnips don’t transplant well. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows. Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Water gently after planting. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Seeds should germinate in 5 to 10 days.
- Thin seedlings when they are 2 inches tall. Leave 4 to 6 inches between plants for good root development.
You can also plant turnips in raised beds or containers. Just make sure the container is at least 12 inches deep for root growth.
Choosing Turnip Varieties For Alabama
Not all turnip varieties grow well in Alabama’s climate. Here are some recommended varieties.
- Purple Top White Globe: A classic variety. It’s heat-tolerant and grows well in Alabama. Roots are ready in 50 to 60 days.
- Tokyo Cross: A fast-growing variety. Greens are ready in 30 days, roots in 45 days. Good for early fall planting.
- Seven Top: Grown mainly for greens. It produces lots of leafy tops but small roots. Great for southern gardens.
- Alltop: Another greens variety. It’s very heat-tolerant and slow to bolt. Perfect for Alabama’s warm autumns.
- Hakurei: A Japanese variety with sweet, white roots. It’s mild and crisp. Ready in 40 to 50 days.
Choose a variety that matches your needs. If you want both greens and roots, go with Purple Top. If you only want greens, try Seven Top or Alltop.
Caring For Turnips In Alabama
Turnips are low-maintenance, but they need some care to produce well. Here’s what to do after planting.
Watering
Turnips need about 1 inch of water per week. In Alabama, fall rains often provide this. But if there’s a dry spell, water deeply once a week.
Don’t let the soil dry out completely. Inconsistent watering can make roots tough and bitter. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep water off the leaves.
Fertilizing
Turnips are heavy feeders. Before planting, mix a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) into the soil. Use about 1 pound per 100 square feet.
When the plants are 4 inches tall, side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer. Use ammonium sulfate or blood meal. This helps the greens grow big and healthy.
Don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen. Too much can make the roots hairy and misshapen. Stick to the recommended rates.
Weeding
Weeds compete with turnips for water and nutrients. Keep the garden bed weed-free. Use a hoe or hand-pull weeds carefully.
Mulching helps control weeds. Apply a 2-inch layer of straw or grass clippings around the plants. This also keeps the soil cool and moist.
Pest And Disease Control
Turnips can get pests like aphids, flea beetles, and root maggots. In Alabama, flea beetles are common in late summer. They eat small holes in the leaves.
To control flea beetles, use row covers right after planting. You can also spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. For root maggots, rotate crops and avoid planting where other brassicas grew.
Diseases like clubroot and downy mildew can also occur. Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that causes swollen roots. To prevent it, maintain proper soil pH and rotate crops.
Downy mildew shows up as yellow spots on leaves. It’s more common in humid weather. Space plants well for good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting Turnips In Alabama
Turnips are ready to harvest when the roots are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. That’s usually 50 to 60 days after planting. Greens can be harvested earlier, when they are 4 to 6 inches tall.
Harvest greens by cutting the outer leaves. Leave the inner leaves to keep growing. You can do this multiple times during the season.
For roots, pull them up when they reach the right size. Don’t let them get too big. Overgrown turnips become woody and tough.
In Alabama, you can leave turnips in the ground through light frosts. Frost actually makes the roots sweeter. But if a hard freeze is coming, harvest them all.
Store turnips in a cool, dark place. Remove the greens (they draw moisture from the roots). Put the roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for 2 to 3 months.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
To have a steady supply of turnips, plant every 2 to 3 weeks. In Alabama, you can do 3 to 4 plantings from August to November.
- First planting: mid-August
- Second planting: early September
- Third planting: late September
- Fourth planting: mid-October (only in southern Alabama)
This way, you’ll have fresh turnips from October through January. Just adjust the timing based on your zone.
Common Mistakes When Planting Turnips In Alabama
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes. Here are some common ones to avoid.
- Planting too early in summer. The heat makes turnips bolt and become bitter.
- Planting too late in fall. The roots won’t have time to grow before frost.
- Not thinning seedlings. Crowded plants produce small, misshapen roots.
- Over-fertilizing with nitrogen. This leads to hairy roots and lots of greens but small roots.
- Ignoring soil pH. Acidic soil (below 6.0) can cause clubroot disease.
- Watering inconsistently. This makes roots tough and bitter.
Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll have a great turnip harvest in Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant turnips in spring in Alabama?
Yes, you can plant turnips in early spring for a late spring harvest. Plant them as soon as the soil can be worked, usually in March. But spring turnips often bolt quickly as the weather warms up. Fall planting is more reliable.
What is the best month to plant turnips in Alabama?
The best month is September for most of Alabama. In the north, early September is ideal. In central and southern areas, you can plant through October. September gives you warm soil for germination and cool weather for growth.
How late can I plant turnips in Alabama?
In northern Alabama, you can plant until early September. In central Alabama, until early October. In southern Alabama, you can plant as late as November. After that, the days are too short and cold for good growth.
Do turnips need full sun in Alabama?
Yes, turnips need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In Alabama’s hot climate, some afternoon shade can help prevent bolting. But full sun is best for root development.
Can I grow turnips in containers in Alabama?
Yes, you can grow turnips in containers. Use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep. Fill it with well-draining potting mix. Water regularly, as containers dry out faster than garden beds. Place the container in a sunny spot.
Final Tips For Alabama Turnip Growers
Turnips are one of the easiest crops to grow in Alabama. They’re forgiving and fast. With the right timing, you can enjoy fresh turnips all winter.
Remember to check your local frost dates. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has great resources for your specific county. Use their planting calendars for the most accurate timing.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different varieties and planting dates. Keep notes on what works best in your garden. Over time, you’ll find the perfect schedule for your location.
Turnips are also great for fall gardens because they don’t take up much space. You can interplant them with other cool-season crops like lettuce or spinach. Just give them enough room to grow.
If you have heavy clay soil, consider building raised beds. Turnips hate compacted soil. Raised beds warm up faster in fall and drain better, which is perfect for Alabama’s wet winters.
One more thing: don’t throw away the turnip greens. They’re nutritious and delicious. Saute them with garlic and olive oil, or add them to soups and stews. The greens are often the best part of the plant.
So get out there and plant some turnips. With the right timing and care, you’ll have a bountiful harvest that lasts through the winter. Happy gardening in Alabama!