Minnesota’s short summer requires turnips to be planted as soon as the ground is workable in spring. Knowing the **best time to plant turnip in minnesota** is the key to a successful harvest. Turnips are a cool-season crop that thrives in the state’s unpredictable climate.
Planting at the right time ensures you get tender roots and tasty greens. If you plant too late, the heat will make them woody and bitter. Let’s break down exactly when and how to plant turnips in Minnesota for the best results.
Best Time To Plant Turnip In Minnesota
The ideal window is early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This usually falls between mid-April and early May in southern Minnesota. For northern parts of the state, wait until late April or early May.
Turnip seeds can germinate in soil as cold as 40°F. They actually prefer cooler temperatures for germination. This makes them one of the first vegetables you can put in the ground.
You can also plant a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest. This is often the best time for sweeter, more tender turnips. The cooler autumn weather reduces bitterness.
Spring Planting Window
Watch the frost dates in your specific area. Southern Minnesota’s last frost is typically around May 10. Northern Minnesota’s last frost can be as late as May 20 or even early June.
Plant turnip seeds 2 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives them a head start. The seeds will handle light frosts without any problem.
- Southern MN: Plant mid-April to early May
- Central MN: Plant late April to mid-May
- Northern MN: Plant early May to late May
Soil temperature is more important than the calendar date. Use a soil thermometer to check. When the soil reaches 40°F at a depth of 2 inches, you’re good to go.
Fall Planting Window
For a fall harvest, plant turnips in late July or early August. This timing avoids the hottest part of summer. The roots will mature as temperatures cool down.
Count backward from your first fall frost date. Turnips need about 50 to 60 days to mature. In southern Minnesota, the first frost is around October 1. So plant by August 1 or 10.
- Southern MN: Plant July 25 to August 10
- Central MN: Plant July 20 to August 5
- Northern MN: Plant July 15 to July 30
Fall turnips often taste sweeter. The cold weather converts starches into sugars. This makes them a favorite for roasting and mashing.
Understanding Minnesota’s Climate Zones
Minnesota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a to 5a. The northern part is colder and has a shorter growing season. The south has milder winters and longer summers.
Your exact location matters more than general state advice. Check your county’s average frost dates. The University of Minnesota Extension has detailed maps for this.
Zone 3A And 3B (Northern Minnesota)
These zones have the shortest growing season. Spring comes late and fall arrives early. You have a narrow window for spring planting.
Plant turnips as soon as the snow melts and the ground thaws. This is usually around early to mid-May. For fall crops, plant by mid-July to ensure maturity before frost.
Zone 4A And 4B (Central Minnesota)
This is the largest zone in the state. It includes the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. The growing season is moderate, around 140 to 160 days.
Spring planting can start in late April. Fall planting should happen in early August. You have more flexibility here than in northern zones.
Zone 5A (Southern Minnesota)
This zone has the longest growing season. You can plant turnips earlier in spring and later in fall. The soil warms up faster here.
Spring planting can begin in mid-April. Fall planting can extend into mid-August. You might even get a third small planting if the weather cooperates.
Preparing Your Soil For Turnips
Turnips grow best in loose, well-drained soil. Heavy clay soil will cause the roots to be misshapen. Sandy loam is ideal for straight, smooth turnips.
Remove all rocks and debris from the planting bed. Turnip roots need space to expand. Rocks will cause them to fork or become stunted.
Test your soil pH before planting. Turnips prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add lime if the soil is too acidic. Sulfur can lower the pH if it’s too alkaline.
Adding Organic Matter
Mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure and adds nutrients. Turnips are heavy feeders, especially for nitrogen.
Work the organic matter into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. This encourages deep root growth. Shallow soil leads to small, tough turnips.
Avoid fresh manure, which can burn the seeds. Use only aged or composted materials. Fresh manure also introduces weed seeds.
Fertilizer Needs
Apply a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 before planting. Use about 1 pound per 100 square feet. Mix it into the soil thoroughly.
Turnips need phosphorus for root development. Potassium helps with disease resistance. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, but too much can cause forked roots.
Side-dress with nitrogen when the plants are 4 inches tall. Use about 1/4 cup of ammonium nitrate per 10 feet of row. This boosts leaf growth for better photosynthesis.
How To Plant Turnip Seeds
Sow seeds directly in the garden. Turnips do not transplant well. Their taproots are delicate and easily damaged.
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in the soil. Space them about 1 inch apart in rows. Rows should be 12 to 18 inches apart for good air circulation.
Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist until germination. This usually takes 7 to 14 days, depending on temperature.
Thinning Seedlings
Thin the seedlings when they are 2 to 3 inches tall. Remove weaker plants to leave the strongest ones. Final spacing should be 3 to 4 inches apart for small varieties.
For larger turnip varieties, space them 6 inches apart. Crowded turnips will not develop properly. They will be small and may not form good roots.
Use scissors to cut the extra seedlings at soil level. Pulling them can disturb the roots of nearby plants. This method is gentler on the remaining turnips.
Succession Planting
Plant a new batch of seeds every 2 to 3 weeks. This ensures a continuous harvest throughout the season. You won’t have all your turnips ready at once.
Stop succession planting about 8 weeks before the first fall frost. This gives the last batch time to mature. Late-planted turnips may not fully develop.
Keep a garden journal to track your planting dates. This helps you refine your schedule each year. You’ll learn what works best for your specific microclimate.
Caring For Turnip Plants
Water turnips consistently throughout the growing season. They need about 1 inch of water per week. Inconsistent watering causes the roots to become tough and woody.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves. Keep the mulch 2 to 3 inches thick.
Weed regularly, especially when the plants are small. Turnips do not compete well with weeds. Hand-pull weeds to avoid damaging the shallow roots.
Pest And Disease Management
Watch for flea beetles, which make small holes in the leaves. Use row covers to protect young plants. Diatomaceous earth can also deter them.
Aphids can attack turnip greens. Spray them off with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soap works well for heavy infestations.
Root maggots are a common problem in cool, wet soil. Rotate your crops each year to reduce their numbers. Avoid planting turnips where other brassicas grew recently.
Common Diseases
Clubroot causes swollen, deformed roots. It thrives in acidic soil. Maintain a pH above 6.5 to prevent it.
Downy mildew appears as yellow spots on leaves. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Remove infected leaves immediately.
White rust creates white pustules on the undersides of leaves. Use disease-resistant varieties when possible. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
Harvesting Turnips At The Right Time
Spring-planted turnips are ready in 45 to 60 days. Harvest them when the roots are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Larger roots become tough and woody.
Fall-planted turnips can be left in the ground longer. They can handle light frosts, which improve their sweetness. Harvest before the ground freezes solid.
Pull turnips by hand or use a garden fork. Loosen the soil around the root first. This prevents breaking the root.
Harvesting Greens
You can harvest turnip greens when they are 4 to 6 inches tall. Cut the outer leaves, leaving the inner ones to grow. This allows the root to continue developing.
Greens are most tender when young. Older leaves can be tough and bitter. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
Use greens within a few days of harvesting. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for about a week.
Storing Turnips
Remove the greens from the roots before storage. The greens draw moisture from the roots. Store roots in a cool, humid place like a root cellar.
Turnips can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks. Place them in a perforated plastic bag. Keep them in the crisper drawer.
For long-term storage, keep turnips in damp sand or sawdust. Temperatures between 32°F and 40°F are ideal. They can last for several months this way.
Best Turnip Varieties For Minnesota
Choose varieties that mature quickly. Minnesota’s short growing season favors early-maturing types. Look for varieties that mature in 45 to 55 days.
Purple Top White Globe is a classic choice. It is reliable and widely adapted. The roots are mild and tender.
Tokyo Cross is an excellent early variety. It matures in just 35 to 40 days. The roots are smooth and sweet.
Other Good Varieties
- White Lady: Matures in 45 days, pure white roots
- Golden Ball: Yellow flesh, sweet flavor, 60 days
- Scarlet Queen: Red skin, white flesh, 50 days
- Hakurei: Japanese variety, very sweet, 38 days
Experiment with different varieties each year. Some may perform better in your specific soil. Keep notes on which ones you like best.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Planting too late in spring is a common error. The heat stunts growth and ruins flavor. Stick to the early planting window.
Overcrowding leads to small, deformed roots. Always thin seedlings to the proper spacing. It feels wasteful but is necessary for good turnips.
Neglecting water during dry spells causes tough roots. Consistent moisture is critical. Set up a drip irrigation system if possible.
Forgetting to rotate crops invites disease. Do not plant turnips in the same spot for 3 to 4 years. Rotate with legumes, corn, or tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant turnips in July in Minnesota?
Yes, July is ideal for a fall harvest. Plant in late July to early August. This gives the turnips time to mature before frost.
How late can I plant turnips in Minnesota?
You can plant as late as mid-August in southern Minnesota. In northern areas, stop planting by late July. Later plantings may not mature before hard frost.
Do turnips need full sun?
Turnips grow best in full sun, at least 6 hours per day. They can tolerate partial shade but will produce smaller roots. Full sun ensures the best flavor and size.
Can I grow turnips in containers?
Yes, choose a container at least 12 inches deep. Use loose, well-draining potting soil. Water more frequently since containers dry out faster.
What is the best fertilizer for turnips?
A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer works well. Apply before planting and side-dress with nitrogen later. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf growth over roots.
Final Tips For Success
Keep a garden calendar to track your planting dates. Note the weather conditions each year. This helps you adjust your schedule for future seasons.
Join a local gardening group in Minnesota. Experienced gardeners can give you specific advice for your area. They know the microclimates and soil conditions.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with planting times. Try a small patch earlier or later than recommended. You might discover a better window for your garden.
Remember that turnips are forgiving. Even if you plant a bit late, you’ll likely get a harvest. The key is to avoid extreme heat and deep frost.
Enjoy the process of growing your own food. Turnips are rewarding and easy to grow. With the right timing, you’ll have a bountiful harvest.
Minnesota’s short summer is no match for a well-planned turnip planting. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be enjoying fresh turnips from your garden. The **best time to plant turnip in minnesota** is now, as soon as your soil is ready.