Pennsylvania’s frost dates dictate that turnips are best planted in early spring or late summer. Knowing the Best Time To Plant Turnip In Pennsylvania can mean the difference between a sweet, tender harvest and a tough, woody disappointment. This guide walks you through exactly when and how to plant turnips for success in the Keystone State.
Turnips are a cool-season crop that thrives in Pennsylvania’s variable climate. They grow fast, so timing is everything. Plant too early in spring and frost might kill seedlings. Plant too late in summer and heat can ruin the roots.
This article covers spring and fall planting windows, soil prep, variety choices, and common mistakes. You’ll get a clear schedule to follow.
Best Time To Plant Turnip In Pennsylvania
The best window for spring turnips is 2 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost. For fall turnips, aim for 6 to 8 weeks before the first hard frost. Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 5a to 7b, so dates vary by region.
Spring Planting Window
In eastern Pennsylvania (Philadelphia area), last frost is around April 10. Plant turnip seeds between March 20 and April 1. In central PA (Harrisburg), last frost is April 20. Plant between April 1 and April 15. In western PA (Pittsburgh), last frost is May 5. Plant between April 15 and April 25.
Soil temperature should be at least 40°F for germination. Use a soil thermometer to check. If soil is too cold, seeds rot. If too warm (above 75°F), germination drops.
Fall Planting Window
Fall turnips taste sweeter because cold converts starches to sugar. First frost dates range from October 1 (northwest) to November 1 (southeast). Count back 8 weeks from your first frost date to find your planting window.
- Northwest PA (Erie): Plant August 1–15
- Central PA (State College): Plant August 10–25
- Southeast PA (Philadelphia): Plant September 1–15
Fall turnips need consistent moisture. Dry spells cause tough roots. Water deeply once a week if rain is scarce.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Climate Zones
Pennsylvania has three main climate zones. Knowing yours helps you nail the timing.
Zone 5A And 5B (Northern And Mountainous Areas)
These areas have short growing seasons. Last frost can be as late as May 15. First frost comes early, around September 20. Spring planting is tight. Fall planting must happen by early August.
Choose fast-maturing varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe’ (55 days) or ‘Tokyo Cross’ (35 days).
Zone 6A And 6B (Central Pennsylvania)
This is the largest zone in the state. Last frost is mid-April to early May. First frost is mid-October. You have two solid planting windows. Spring turnips mature before summer heat. Fall turnips get plenty of cool weather.
Zone 7A And 7B (Southeastern Pennsylvania)
Mild winters and long falls. Last frost is late March to early April. First frost is late October to early November. You can plant fall turnips as late as mid-September. Spring planting can start in early March if soil is workable.
Soil Preparation For Turnips
Turnips grow best in loose, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Heavy clay or rocky soil causes misshapen roots. Test your soil pH before planting. Add lime if pH is below 6.0.
- Clear the bed of weeds and rocks.
- Loosen soil to 12 inches deep with a garden fork.
- Mix in 2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
- Rake the bed smooth and remove clods.
- Water the bed thoroughly the day before planting.
Avoid fresh manure. It contains too much nitrogen, which causes lush tops but small roots. Use balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at planting time, about 1 pound per 100 square feet.
Choosing The Right Turnip Variety
Not all turnips are equal. Some handle heat better. Others mature faster. Pick varieties suited to your planting window.
Fast-Maturing Varieties (30–45 Days)
- Tokyo Cross – 35 days, white, mild flavor
- Hakurei – 38 days, salad turnip, sweet
- White Egg – 45 days, heirloom, tender
Standard Varieties (50–60 Days)
- Purple Top White Globe – 55 days, classic, reliable
- Golden Ball – 60 days, yellow flesh, buttery
- Seven Top – 50 days, grown for greens only
For spring planting, choose fast-maturing types to beat the heat. For fall, standard varieties work fine because cool weather extends harvest.
Step-By-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for a successful turnip crop in Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Prepare The Seedbed
Turnip seeds are tiny. They need fine soil to make good contact. After tilling, rake the bed until it’s smooth and crumbly. Remove any stones larger than a pea.
Step 2: Sow Seeds At The Right Depth
Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Deeper planting in sandy soil, shallower in clay. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. You can broadcast seeds and thin later.
Step 3: Water Gently
Use a fine spray nozzle to avoid washing seeds away. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, usually 5 to 10 days. After emergence, water 1 inch per week.
Step 4: Thin Seedlings
When seedlings have 2 true leaves, thin to 4 inches apart for standard varieties. For salad turnips, thin to 2 inches. Crowded roots stay small and may not bulb properly.
Step 5: Mulch And Maintain
Apply a 1-inch layer of straw or shredded leaves after thinning. Mulch keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds. Turnips compete poorly with weeds.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Even experienced gardeners make errors with turnips. Here are the most common problems in Pennsylvania.
Planting Too Early In Spring
If soil is below 40°F, seeds rot. Wait until soil warms. Use a thermometer. If a cold snap hits after planting, cover seedlings with row cover overnight.
Planting Too Late In Summer
Fall turnips need 6 to 8 weeks of cool weather. If you plant in September in northern PA, frost may kill young plants. Check your first frost date and count back.
Overcrowding
Thin ruthlessly. Overcrowded turnips produce spindly roots. Use the thinnings as microgreens in salads.
Neglecting Water
Turnips are 90% water. Inconsistent watering causes cracked roots. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
Harvesting Too Late
Turnips get woody and hot if left too long in the ground. Harvest when roots are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. For greens, pick outer leaves when 4 inches tall.
Harvesting And Storage Tips
Spring turnips mature in 35 to 60 days. Fall turnips can stay in the ground longer because cold slows growth. Harvest before a hard freeze (below 28°F).
To harvest, loosen soil with a garden fork and pull gently. Cut off tops 1 inch above the root. Store roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For long-term storage, keep in a root cellar at 32–40°F with high humidity.
Turnip greens are edible and nutritious. Wash them thoroughly and store in a damp paper towel in the fridge. Use within 3 days.
Pests And Diseases In Pennsylvania
Turnips face a few common pests in the state. Know what to look for.
Flea Beetles
These tiny black beetles chew small holes in leaves. They’re worst in spring. Use row cover to protect seedlings. Apply diatomaceous earth if infestation is heavy.
Root Maggots
White maggots tunnel into roots. They thrive in cool, wet soil. Rotate crops yearly. Avoid planting turnips where other brassicas grew the previous year.
Clubroot
This soil-borne disease causes swollen, distorted roots. It persists in acidic soil. Maintain pH above 6.5. Remove infected plants immediately.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
You can plant turnips every 2 to 3 weeks for a steady supply. In spring, make 2 or 3 plantings from early April to mid-May. In fall, make 1 or 2 plantings in August.
For fall, stick to one or two plantings. Later plantings may not mature before frost. If you have a mild fall, you can harvest into November.
Turnip Companion Plants
Good companions improve growth and repel pests. Plant turnips near:
- Peas and beans (fix nitrogen)
- Onions and garlic (deter flea beetles)
- Mint and rosemary (repel pests)
Avoid planting near:
- Other brassicas (compete for nutrients)
- Potatoes (attract similar pests)
- Strawberries (stunt growth)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant turnips in July in Pennsylvania?
July is too hot for turnips in most of Pennsylvania. Soil temperatures above 75°F reduce germination. Wait until August for fall planting.
How late can I plant fall turnips in Pennsylvania?
In southeastern PA, you can plant as late as mid-September. In northern areas, plant by mid-August. Count back 8 weeks from your first frost date.
Do turnips need full sun?
Turnips grow best in full sun (6–8 hours daily). They tolerate partial shade but produce smaller roots. For best yields, choose a sunny spot.
Should I fertilize turnips during growth?
Turnips need little fertilizer after planting if you prepared the soil well. Side-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) when roots start swelling. Too much nitrogen causes leafy tops and small roots.
Can I grow turnips in containers?
Yes, use containers at least 12 inches deep. Choose compact varieties like ‘Hakurei’. Water more frequently because containers dry out fast. Use potting mix, not garden soil.
Regional Planting Calendar For Pennsylvania
Here’s a quick reference table for turnip planting across the state.
Northwest PA (Erie, Meadville): Spring April 15–May 1, Fall August 1–15
Northeast PA (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre): Spring April 10–25, Fall August 5–20
Central PA (State College, Harrisburg): Spring April 1–15, Fall August 10–25
Southeast PA (Philadelphia, Allentown): Spring March 20–April 5, Fall September 1–15
Southwest PA (Pittsburgh, Washington): Spring April 10–25, Fall August 10–25
These dates are averages. Check your local extension office for precise frost dates. Microclimates near bodies of water or urban heat islands can shift timing by a week or two.
Final Tips For Pennsylvania Turnip Growers
Turnips are one of the easiest crops to grow in Pennsylvania if you get the timing right. Start with a soil test. Pick the right variety for your season. Water consistently. Thin seedlings without mercy. Harvest at the right size.
Fall turnips are sweeter and store better. Spring turnips are faster but more prone to pests. Try both seasons to see which works best in your garden.
Keep a garden journal. Note your planting dates, weather patterns, and harvest quality. Over time, you’ll fine-tune your schedule for perfect turnips every year.
Remember, the Best Time To Plant Turnip In Pennsylvania depends on your location and the season. Use the guidelines here, adjust for your microclimate, and you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown turnips from spring through fall.