West Virginia’s mild climate allows for a late summer turnip planting that yields sweet, tender roots. Knowing the best time to plant turnip in West Virginia is crucial for a successful harvest that avoids bitter, woody vegetables. This guide covers everything you need to know for perfect timing and care.
Turnips are a cool-season crop that thrive in West Virginia’s spring and fall weather. They grow quickly and can be planted in both spring and late summer for a double harvest. The key is to avoid the heat of July and August, which makes roots tough and spicy.
Best Time To Plant Turnip In West Virginia
The best time to plant turnip in West Virginia is from late July to mid-August for a fall crop. This timing allows the roots to mature in the cooler temperatures of September and October, resulting in sweeter, more tender turnips. For a spring harvest, plant as soon as the soil can be worked in March or early April.
West Virginia’s USDA hardiness zones range from 5a to 7a, which influences planting windows. In cooler mountain regions (zones 5a-5b), aim for late July. In warmer valleys (zones 6b-7a), you can push planting into mid-August.
Why Fall Planting Is Superior In West Virginia
Fall turnips are generally sweeter than spring-planted ones. The cool nights and mild days of West Virginia autumn cause the roots to convert starches into sugars. This natural process gives you a better tasting vegetable.
Spring turnips often face a race against time. As days lengthen and temperatures rise, the plants bolt (go to seed) quickly. This makes the roots woody and less palatable. Fall planting avoids this problem entirely.
Spring Planting Window
For a spring crop, plant turnip seeds 2 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost. In most of West Virginia, this means planting between March 15 and April 15. Check your local frost dates using the West Virginia University Extension resources.
Soil temperature should be at least 40°F (4°C) for germination, though 50-60°F is ideal. Use a soil thermometer to check. If the ground is still frozen or waterlogged, wait a week.
Fall Planting Window
The ideal fall planting window is 8 to 10 weeks before the first expected frost. For most of West Virginia, this falls between July 20 and August 20. In higher elevations, plant earlier; in lower elevations, you can plant later.
Count backward from your area’s average first frost date. For example, if your first frost is October 15, count back 10 weeks to August 1. This gives the roots enough time to mature before hard freezes.
Regional Variations Within West Virginia
- Eastern Panhandle (zones 6b-7a): Plant fall turnips from August 1 to August 20
- Central Mountains (zones 5b-6a): Plant fall turnips from July 25 to August 10
- Northern Panhandle (zones 5a-6a): Plant fall turnips from July 20 to August 5
- Southern Coalfields (zones 6a-6b): Plant fall turnips from August 1 to August 15
Preparing Your Soil For Turnips
Turnips grow best in loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. West Virginia’s acidic soils often require lime to raise pH. Test your soil at least 2 months before planting.
Work the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. Remove rocks and clods. Turnips need room to expand, and compacted soil will produce misshapen roots. Add 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
Fertilizer Requirements
Turnips are moderate feeders. Before planting, mix in a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of root development.
Side-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) when the plants are 4-6 inches tall. This boosts root growth without making the greens too lush.
Planting Turnip Seeds Step By Step
- Prepare the seedbed by raking it smooth and removing debris
- Make shallow drills 1/2 inch deep, spaced 12-18 inches apart
- Sow seeds thinly, about 2-3 seeds per inch
- Cover with fine soil and water gently
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination (5-10 days)
Thin seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall. Space them 3-4 inches apart for medium-sized roots, or 6 inches for larger varieties. Overcrowding leads to small, deformed turnips.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
For a steady supply, plant a new row every 2 weeks during the fall window. This ensures you have tender young turnips from September through November. In spring, you can do 2-3 successions before the weather turns hot.
Each planting will mature in about 50-60 days, depending on the variety. Check the seed packet for days to maturity and plan accordingly.
Caring For Your Turnip Crop
Turnips need consistent moisture, especially during root formation. Water deeply once a week if rainfall is less than 1 inch. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Weed regularly but carefully. Turnips have shallow roots, so hand-pull weeds or use a hoe very lightly. Heavy cultivation can damage the developing roots.
Pest And Disease Management
Common pests in West Virginia include flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots. Use row covers to protect young plants. For flea beetles, apply diatomaceous earth or neem oil.
Rotate crops to prevent soil-borne diseases. Do not plant turnips in the same spot where other brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) grew in the past 3 years. This reduces clubroot and black rot risks.
Dealing With Deer And Rabbits
Deer love turnip greens. In rural areas, use fencing or deer repellent sprays. Rabbits also nibble young plants. A 2-foot tall chicken wire barrier works well for small plots.
Harvesting Turnips At The Right Time
Harvest turnips when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter for best flavor. Larger roots become woody and strong-tasting. In fall, you can leave them in the ground after light frosts, which improves sweetness.
For spring turnips, harvest before temperatures regularly exceed 80°F. Once the plant sends up a flower stalk, the root quality declines rapidly. Pull them immediately.
How To Harvest
- Loosen the soil around the root with a garden fork
- Grasp the greens at the base and pull gently
- Cut off the greens, leaving 1 inch of stem to prevent bleeding
- Brush off loose soil but do not wash until ready to use
Turnip greens are also edible and highly nutritious. Harvest them when they are 4-6 inches tall, leaving the top 2 inches to allow regrowth. Young greens are tender and mild.
Storing Your Turnip Harvest
Store turnips in a cool, humid place. A root cellar or refrigerator crisper drawer works well. Remove the greens before storage, as they draw moisture from the roots.
Place roots in a perforated plastic bag or in damp sand. They will keep for 2-4 months at 32-40°F with 95% humidity. Check periodically for soft spots or rot.
Can You Leave Turnips In The Ground Over Winter?
In West Virginia, you can overwinter turnips in milder areas (zones 6b-7a) with heavy mulch. Cover the bed with 6-12 inches of straw or leaves before hard freezes. Dig them as needed through winter.
In colder zones, this is risky. The ground may freeze solid, making harvest impossible. It’s safer to dig and store them indoors.
Best Turnip Varieties For West Virginia
Choose varieties that mature quickly and tolerate cool weather. Here are top performers for the state:
- Purple Top White Globe: Classic variety, 55 days, reliable and sweet
- Tokyo Cross: Hybrid, 35 days, very tender, ideal for spring
- Hakurei: Japanese salad turnip, 38 days, crisp and mild
- Golden Ball: Yellow flesh, 60 days, stores well
- Seven Top: Grown for greens, 45 days to first harvest
All these varieties perform well in both spring and fall plantings. For fall, Purple Top is the most forgiving of variable weather.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Planting too late in spring is a frequent error. Turnips hate heat, so if you plant in May, you’ll get tough, bitter roots. Stick to early spring or late summer.
Another mistake is skipping soil preparation. Rocky or compacted soil produces forked or stunted roots. Take the time to loosen the soil deeply.
Over-fertilizing with nitrogen is also problematic. You’ll get huge greens but tiny roots. Use a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer as recommended.
Ignoring Pest Pressure
Flea beetles can destroy young seedlings overnight. Use row covers from the moment you plant until the plants have 4-5 true leaves. This simple step saves many crops.
Root maggots are another hidden threat. They tunnel into roots, causing rot. Prevent them by rotating crops and using beneficial nematodes in the soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant turnips in July in West Virginia?
Yes, late July is ideal for fall turnips. Plant from July 20 to August 10 for best results. The key is to avoid the hottest part of summer while giving roots time to mature before frost.
What is the best month to plant turnips in West Virginia?
For spring, plant in March or April. For fall, plant in August. August planting gives the sweetest turnips because they mature in cool autumn weather.
How late can I plant turnips in West Virginia?
You can plant as late as September 1 in warmer areas, but the roots may be small. For a full-sized harvest, stick to the August window. Late plantings work for greens only.
Do turnips need full sun?
Yes, turnips need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Partial shade reduces root size and slows growth. Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
Can I grow turnips in containers in West Virginia?
Yes, use containers at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill with loose potting soil. Water more frequently than in-ground plants. Harvest when roots are 1-2 inches across.
Final Tips For Success
Keep a garden journal to track your planting dates and results. Over a few seasons, you’ll learn the perfect window for your specific microclimate. West Virginia’s varied elevations mean local conditions vary widely.
Join a local gardening group or check with your county extension office for regional advice. Experienced gardeners in your area can offer invaluable tips for timing and variety selection.
Remember that turnips are forgiving and fast-growing. Even if you miss the ideal window by a week, you’ll likely still get a decent crop. The key is to avoid the extremes of summer heat and deep winter cold.
With proper timing, soil preparation, and care, you can enjoy fresh, sweet turnips from your West Virginia garden from spring through late fall. Start planning your planting dates now for a bountiful harvest.