Virginia gardeners find that turnips planted in late summer produce a crisp, flavorful crop before the first frost. Knowing the best time to plant turnip in Virginia is the key to a successful harvest, whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower.
Turnips are a cool-season crop that thrives in Virginia’s transitional climate. They grow quickly and can be planted in both spring and fall, but timing is everything. Plant them too early in spring, and they may bolt or become woody. Plant them too late in fall, and frost might damage the roots.
This guide covers the exact planting windows, soil preparation, and care tips for Virginia gardeners. You will learn how to get the best yields from your turnip patch.
Best Time To Plant Turnip In Virginia
The best time to plant turnip in Virginia depends on your specific region. Virginia spans USDA hardiness zones 5b through 8a, which means planting dates vary by about two to three weeks from the mountains to the coast.
For most of Virginia, the ideal fall planting window is from mid-August to mid-September. This allows turnips to mature in the cool, crisp weather of autumn. Spring planting works best from mid-March to mid-April, as soon as the soil is workable.
Fall Planting: The Preferred Season
Fall turnips are sweeter and more tender than spring crops. The cooler temperatures and shorter days help the roots develop a mild, nutty flavor. Here is the breakdown for fall planting:
- Western Virginia (zones 5b-6a): Plant from August 1 to August 20.
- Central Virginia (zones 6b-7a): Plant from August 15 to September 5.
- Eastern Virginia and Tidewater (zones 7b-8a): Plant from August 25 to September 15.
These dates give turnips about 50 to 60 days of growing time before the first hard frost. Check your local frost date and count backward from there.
Spring Planting: An Alternative Option
Spring planting works if you want an early harvest, but turnips can become tough or bitter if temperatures rise too quickly. Aim for these windows:
- Western Virginia: Plant from March 15 to April 10.
- Central Virginia: Plant from March 10 to April 5.
- Eastern Virginia: Plant from February 25 to March 20.
Soil temperature should be at least 40°F (4°C) for germination. Use a soil thermometer to check. If the ground is still frozen or waterlogged, wait a few more days.
Understanding Virginia’s Climate Zones
Virginia has three main growing regions. Each affects the best time to plant turnip in Virginia differently.
Mountain And Western Virginia
This area includes the Blue Ridge and Appalachian regions. Winters are cold, and summers are mild. Fall comes early, so plant turnips by mid-August. Spring planting is possible but short. Use row covers to protect from late frosts.
Piedmont And Central Virginia
This region covers Richmond, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. It has a moderate climate with hot summers. Fall planting is ideal from late August to early September. Spring planting works well in March, but watch for sudden heat waves.
Coastal And Tidewater Virginia
This area includes Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the Eastern Shore. Winters are mild, and summers are humid. Fall planting can extend into mid-September. Spring planting starts as early as late February. Turnips grow well here, but watch for pests like flea beetles.
Preparing Your Soil For Turnips
Turnips grow best in loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Heavy clay or rocky soil can cause misshapen roots. Follow these steps to prepare your garden bed:
- Test your soil pH. Add lime if it is below 6.0.
- Remove rocks, weeds, and debris from the planting area.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches using a garden fork or tiller.
- Mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
- Rake the bed smooth and level.
Turnips are light feeders, so avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Too much nitrogen produces lush leaves but small roots. Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.
Planting Turnip Seeds
Turnips are direct-seeded, meaning you plant them where they will grow. They do not transplant well. Here is how to plant them correctly:
- Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Space seeds 1 inch apart within the row. You will thin them later.
- Cover seeds lightly with soil and water gently.
- Keep the soil moist until seeds germinate, which takes 5 to 10 days.
For a continuous harvest, plant a new row every two to three weeks during the planting window. This is called succession planting. It ensures you have fresh turnips all season long.
Thinning Seedlings
Once seedlings have two to three true leaves, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart. Crowded turnips produce small, stunted roots. Use scissors to snip off extra seedlings at soil level to avoid disturbing the roots of nearby plants.
Caring For Your Turnip Crop
Turnips need consistent moisture and weed control. Here are the main care tasks:
Watering
Turnips need about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply once or twice a week, not shallowly every day. Inconsistent watering can cause roots to crack or become tough. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
Weeding
Weeds compete with turnips for nutrients and water. Hoe or hand-pull weeds carefully when they are small. Mulch around the plants with straw or shredded leaves to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Fertilizing
If you prepared the soil with compost, you may not need extra fertilizer. If leaves look pale, side-dress with a balanced fertilizer when plants are 4 inches tall. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leafy growth at the expense of roots.
Pest And Disease Management
Common turnip pests in Virginia include flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots. Use row covers to protect young plants. Rotate crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases like clubroot. Remove any diseased plants immediately.
Harvesting Turnips
Turnips are ready to harvest when roots are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This usually takes 45 to 60 days from planting. Do not let them grow too large, or they become woody and bitter.
Harvest by loosening the soil with a garden fork and pulling the roots gently. Cut off the greens, leaving about 1 inch of stem. Greens are edible and can be cooked like spinach or kale.
For fall crops, you can leave turnips in the ground after the first light frost. A frost actually improves their sweetness. But harvest them before a hard freeze (below 28°F) to prevent damage.
Storing Turnips
Store turnips in a cool, dark place. Remove the greens first, as they draw moisture from the roots. Place roots in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They will keep for 2 to 4 weeks.
For longer storage, layer turnips in a box with damp sand or sawdust. Keep them in a root cellar or unheated basement at 32°F to 40°F. They can last for several months this way.
Common Turnip Varieties For Virginia
Choose varieties that match your growing season and taste preferences. Here are some top picks:
- Purple Top White Globe: A classic variety. Matures in 50 days. Tender and sweet.
- Tokyo Cross: Hybrid variety. Matures in 35 days. Very uniform roots.
- Hakurei: Japanese salad turnip. Matures in 38 days. Mild and crisp.
- Golden Ball: Yellow-fleshed heirloom. Matures in 60 days. Sweet and nutty.
- Seven Top: Grown mainly for greens. Matures in 40 days for leaves.
All these varieties perform well in Virginia’s climate. Experiment with a few to find your favorite.
Tips For Success With Turnips
Follow these extra tips to avoid common problems:
- Do not plant turnips where other brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) grew recently. Rotate crops to prevent disease.
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells. Drought stress makes roots tough.
- Harvest promptly when roots reach the right size. Over-mature turnips lose quality.
- Use floating row covers to exclude pests like flea beetles and cabbage worms.
- Plant in full sun for best growth. Partial shade is okay but reduces yield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Turnips In Virginia In The Summer?
Summer planting is not recommended. Hot weather causes turnips to bolt (flower) and produce bitter, woody roots. Stick to spring and fall planting windows.
How Late Can I Plant Turnips In Virginia?
For fall crops, you can plant as late as early October in coastal areas. However, the roots may be smaller if frost comes early. Count back 50 to 60 days from your first frost date for best results.
Do Turnips Need Full Sun In Virginia?
Yes, turnips grow best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is acceptable but may result in smaller roots and slower growth.
What Is The Best Turnip Variety For Virginia Beginners?
Purple Top White Globe is the most reliable variety for beginners. It is easy to grow, widely available, and produces good yields in both spring and fall.
Can I Grow Turnips In Containers In Virginia?
Yes, you can grow turnips in containers that are at least 12 inches deep. Use loose potting soil and water frequently. Choose small varieties like Tokyo Cross for best results.
Final Thoughts On Planting Turnips In Virginia
Knowing the best time to plant turnip in Virginia is simple once you understand your local climate. Fall planting gives you the sweetest, most tender roots. Spring planting works too, but requires careful timing to avoid heat stress.
Prepare your soil well, water consistently, and harvest at the right size. With these steps, you will enjoy a bountiful turnip crop that adds flavor to your meals all season long. Start planning your planting dates today, and you will be rewarded with fresh, homegrown turnips from your Virginia garden.