Louisiana’s mild winters allow for a late winter turnip planting that matures before the heat sets in. Knowing the best time to plant turnip in louisiana is key to getting a sweet, tender harvest instead of tough, bitter roots. This guide walks you through the exact timing for every region of the state.
Best Time To Plant Turnip In Louisiana
The ideal planting window for turnips in Louisiana runs from late January through early April for a spring crop. For a fall harvest, plant from late August through early October. These windows let the roots develop in cool weather, which keeps them mild and crisp.
Turnips are a cool-season crop. They grow best when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F. If you plant too early in spring, cold snaps can stunt growth. Plant too late, and the heat will make the roots woody and spicy.
Spring Planting Calendar By Region
Louisiana has three main growing zones: north, central, and south. Each has a slightly different best time to plant turnip in louisiana.
- North Louisiana (Shreveport, Monroe): Plant from mid-February to late March. Soil warms up slower here.
- Central Louisiana (Alexandria, Lafayette): Plant from early February to early April. This zone offers a longer window.
- South Louisiana (New Orleans, Baton Rouge): Plant from late January to early April. Winters are mildest here.
Check your local frost dates. Turnip seeds can germinate in soil as cold as 40°F, but they do best above 50°F. Use a soil thermometer for accuracy.
Fall Planting Calendar By Region
Fall planting is often easier because the soil is already warm. The key is to time it so turnips mature before a hard freeze.
- North Louisiana: Plant from late August to mid-September. First frost usually arrives in late October.
- Central Louisiana: Plant from early September to late September. Frost comes around early November.
- South Louisiana: Plant from mid-September to early October. Frost may not arrive until December.
Fall turnips often taste sweeter because cool nights convert starches to sugars. Aim for 60 to 70 days of growing weather before the first frost.
Soil Preparation For Turnips
Good soil prep makes a huge difference. Turnips need loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Heavy clay soil can cause misshapen roots.
Steps To Prepare Your Bed
- Clear all weeds and debris from the bed.
- Loosen the soil to at least 8 inches deep.
- Mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure.
- Add a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at 1 pound per 100 square feet.
- Rake the bed smooth and remove any rocks or clumps.
Turnips are root crops. They don’t like fresh manure, which can cause forked roots. Use well-rotted compost instead.
Soil Temperature Check
Before planting, check the soil temperature at 2 inches deep. For spring planting, wait until it reaches at least 45°F. For fall, soil should be below 85°F for best germination.
You can warm soil in spring by covering the bed with black plastic for a week. This can push your planting date up by 10 to 14 days.
How To Plant Turnip Seeds
Turnip seeds are tiny. Plant them shallowly for best results. Follow these steps for a strong start.
Planting Depth And Spacing
- Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
- Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart once they have two true leaves.
- For greens only, you can leave plants closer together.
If you want both roots and greens, thin to 4 inches apart. Crowded roots will be small and misshapen.
Watering After Planting
Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate. This usually takes 5 to 10 days. Use a gentle spray to avoid washing seeds away.
Once seedlings appear, water about 1 inch per week. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and keep soil cool.
Best Turnip Varieties For Louisiana
Not all turnips handle Louisiana’s heat well. Choose varieties bred for southern conditions.
Top Spring Varieties
- Purple Top White Globe: Classic variety, matures in 55 days. Good for roots and greens.
- Tokyo Cross: Hybrid that resists bolting. Matures in 35 days. Very sweet.
- White Lady: Smooth, mild roots. Matures in 45 days. Tolerates some heat.
Top Fall Varieties
- Royal Crown: Large roots, good for storage. Matures in 60 days.
- Alltop: Grown mainly for greens. Matures in 45 days.
- Shogoin: Excellent for greens and small roots. Matures in 50 days.
Look for varieties with heat tolerance if you plant near the edges of the window. This gives you a buffer against unexpected warm spells.
Caring For Turnips Through The Season
Turnips are low-maintenance but need consistent care. Neglect can lead to tough roots or pest problems.
Fertilizing
Side-dress with nitrogen about three weeks after planting. Use 1 cup of 21-0-0 per 100 square feet. Water it in well.
Too much nitrogen can cause lush greens but small roots. Balance is key. If your soil is rich in organic matter, you may not need extra fertilizer.
Weed Control
Weeds compete for nutrients and water. Hand-pull weeds gently to avoid disturbing turnip roots. Mulch helps suppress weeds.
Do not use heavy tillage near turnips. Their roots are shallow and easily damaged.
Pest Management
Common turnip pests in Louisiana include aphids, flea beetles, and root maggots.
- Use row covers for the first few weeks to block flea beetles.
- Apply neem oil for aphids if needed.
- Rotate crops to reduce root maggot buildup.
Most pests are manageable without chemicals. Healthy plants resist damage better.
Harvesting Turnips At The Right Time
Timing your harvest is almost as important as the best time to plant turnip in louisiana. Harvest too late, and roots become woody.
When To Harvest Roots
Spring turnips are ready 45 to 60 days after planting. Fall turnips may take a bit longer. Harvest when roots are 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Larger roots are often tough and strong-flavored. Smaller roots are tender and sweet. You can harvest a few early to thin the row.
When To Harvest Greens
Turnip greens are ready when they reach 4 to 6 inches tall. Cut outer leaves and leave the inner ones to keep growing.
You can harvest greens multiple times. Stop harvesting greens once roots start bulbing if you want good roots.
Common Mistakes With Louisiana Turnips
Even experienced gardeners make errors. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.
Planting Too Late In Spring
Many gardeners wait until March or April. By then, soil is warming fast. Turnips planted in late April often bolt before forming good roots.
Stick to the early February window for most of Louisiana. Use a soil thermometer to be sure.
Overcrowding Seedlings
It’s tempting to let all seeds grow. But crowded turnips produce tiny, deformed roots. Thin ruthlessly to 3 to 4 inches apart.
You can eat the thinned greens. They are tender and delicious in salads.
Ignoring Soil PH
Turnips are sensitive to acidic soil. If your pH is below 6.0, roots may be stunted. Test your soil and add lime if needed.
Apply lime in fall for spring planting. It takes several months to adjust pH fully.
Extending Your Turnip Season
With careful planning, you can enjoy turnips from late winter through early summer and again in fall.
Succession Planting
Plant a new row every two weeks during your spring window. This gives you a continuous harvest instead of one big batch.
Stop planting once daytime temperatures consistently hit 80°F. Turnips will not form good roots in heat.
Using Shade Cloth
For a late spring crop, use 30% shade cloth to keep soil cool. This can extend your season by two to three weeks.
Water more frequently under shade cloth. Evaporation is slower, but plants still need consistent moisture.
Storing Turnips After Harvest
Fresh turnips store well if handled correctly. Remove greens before storing to prevent moisture loss.
Short-Term Storage
Place roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for two to three weeks. Do not wash them until ready to use.
Long-Term Storage
Turnips can be stored in a root cellar or cool basement for up to three months. Keep them in damp sand or sawdust at 32°F to 40°F.
Check stored turnips weekly. Remove any that show signs of rot to prevent spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant turnips in Louisiana in the summer?
Summer planting is not recommended. Turnips need cool soil to develop sweet roots. Heat causes them to bolt and become bitter.
What is the latest I can plant turnips in Louisiana for fall?
For south Louisiana, early October is the latest. For north Louisiana, mid-September. After that, frost may kill young plants before they mature.
Do turnips need full sun in Louisiana?
Turnips grow best in full sun, at least 6 hours daily. Partial shade is okay for greens but will reduce root size.
How often should I water turnips in Louisiana?
Water deeply once a week if there is no rain. In sandy soil, you may need to water twice a week. Keep soil evenly moist.
Can I grow turnips in containers in Louisiana?
Yes, use containers at least 12 inches deep. Choose a compact variety like Tokyo Cross. Ensure good drainage and water more frequently.
Final Tips For Success
Start with a soil test. Know your pH and nutrient levels. This simple step prevents many problems.
Plant at the right depth. Turnip seeds are small but need light to germinate. Do not bury them too deep.
Watch the weather. A late cold snap can damage young plants. Keep row covers handy for protection.
Harvest promptly. Turnips do not wait for you. Check them regularly once they reach 2 inches in diameter.
Enjoy both roots and greens. Turnip greens are packed with vitamins and taste great sautéed with garlic.
With the right timing and care, you can grow delicious turnips in Louisiana almost year-round. The best time to plant turnip in louisiana is really two windows: late winter for spring harvest and late summer for fall harvest. Stick to these windows, and you will have success.