The Best Time to Plant Turnip Greens for a Successful Crop
Turnip greens are a cool weather crop that can be planted in both spring and fall. Knowing the optimal planting time for your region is key to getting a bountiful harvest. As an experienced gardener and turnip green enthusiast, I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to turnips. In this article, I’ll share my tips on when and how to plant turnip greens for the best results.
Why Timing Matters
Turnips thrive in cool temperatures and can tolerate frost. Planting them at the right time avoids exposing the tender greens to summer heat or winter freezes which could ruin the crop. Turnips are also fast growing, with most varieties ready to harvest just 35-70 days after sowing. This makes timing even more important, as a few weeks difference in planting can mean missing the ideal growing conditions.
Spring Planting
When planting turnip greens in spring, timing is crucial. Turnips like consistently cool weather and can’t withstand hot summer temperatures. The ideal spring planting window is 2-4 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date. This gives them time to mature before summer arrives. Any earlier and the seeds may not germinate well in cold soil. Any later and the summer heat could prevent proper growth or cause the plants to bolt.
I like to check my local frost date averages and plant my turnips 3 weeks prior. If an unexpected late frost does occur, mulching provides some protection. Fast maturing varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe’ and ‘Tokyo Cross’ are best for spring planting.
Fall Planting
For a fall turnip crop, the timing window is wider but still important. Plant them too early in summer and they may bolt in the heat before producing greens. Too late and they won’t mature before the winter freeze sets in.
The ideal fall planting time is from late August through October. This allows at least 60 days of cool weather for the turnips to reach maturity before growth stops in winter. However, exact dates vary by region. In warmer zones (8-10), late September to mid October is best to avoid summer heat. In cooler zones (3-7), planting can start as early as mid August.
Good full season varieties for fall planting include ‘Seven Top’, ‘Purple Top White Globe’, and ‘Shogoin’. For faster crops, try ‘Just Right’ or ‘White Egg’. Mulching in fall helps protect from cold snaps.
Tips for Planting
Once you’ve determined the best planting dates, here are a few tips for success:
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Prepare soil well with compost and a balanced fertilizer before planting.
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Sow seeds 1⁄2 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows or wide beds.
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Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially before and after germination.
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Use row covers or cold frames early and late in the season to protect from frost.
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Harvest greens when they reach 6-12 inches; roots when 2-3 inches wide.
Turnip greens are a delicious and nutritious crop that can extend your harvest season when the timing is right. With a little planning, you can be enjoying homegrown turnip greens well into fall and right through spring in many areas. Paying attention to ideal planting dates for your climate, choosing suited varieties, and providing some frost protection when needed will lead to a plentiful harvest.
Turnips: Three Tips to Growing Them to a Good Size: Loose Soil, Low Nitrogen, Spacing -TRG 2016
FAQ
What month do you plant turnip greens?
Turnip greens are cool-season crops. Plant them in early spring (about 2-4 weeks before the last frost) or in late summer (around 6-8 weeks before the first frost) for a fall harvest.
What’s the best fertilizer for turnip greens?
Before planting mustard or turnips, till the soil then scatter 2 to 3 pounds of complete garden fertilizer such as 15-5-10 over each 100 square feet (Fig. 4). If only one row is to be planted, use 1 cup of fer- tilizer for each 10 feet of row (Fig. 5.)
Do turnips like full sun or shade?
Like most vegetables, turnips prefer full sun but if they are grown solely for their leaves, they will tolerate partial shade. Turnips can have issues with pests like slugs, snails and aphids, but the turnip growing season is short so typically the vegetable is harvested before the pests become an issue.
How late can turnips be planted?
Plant turnips beginning April 15 for a spring crop, and again August 1 for a fall crop. Rutabagas require a longer growing season, but need to mature in cool weather, so you should plant them from late May to early June for a fall crop. Plant seeds one to two inches apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart.
When should you plant turnip seeds?
Add more to heavy, clay soil to improve drainage. For a late spring harvest, sow turnip seeds about 2 to 3 weeks before the average last spring frost date. For an autumn harvest, sow turnips in late summer after summer crops of onions, squash, beans, or sweet corn. For a later autumn harvest, sow seeds in early autumn.
When should you plant Turnip greens?
Turnip greens are a cool-weather crop, so you need to plant them when you have some cool weather ahead. Temperatures from 40°F to the low 60s are perfect. That means early spring, fall, or even winter, depending on where you live.
Can you grow turnip greens in cold weather?
This only works in regions with enough cool days in the growing season because turnip greens can’t handle warm weather. If you only have a brief period of cool weather, it’s probably best to harvest all at once. For a continual crop, harvest the largest leaves first, which grow at the base of the plant. This practice is known as “cropping.”
Can you grow turnip greens twice a year?
The plants need moist soil to thrive. In a temperate climate, you can grow turnips twice a year, in the spring and the fall, and have nice, long growing seasons. Harvest your turnip greens early and they might be able to grow again for a second harvest in the same season.
When should you harvest turnips?
Harvest greens when turnips are small; the leaves taste best when young and tender. Cut leaves 2 inches above the base; they may grow back. Harvest just a few at a time, if also growing for roots. Harvest roots at any time; however, small, young turnips are more tender. Often early types are harvested after about 5 weeks.
How do you grow turnip greens?
Turnip greens need a nice, cool temperature to grow. If the weather becomes too warm, the leaves will bolt, or turn to flower, and will become inedible. A tropical climate is too warm for turnip greens. Growing turnip greens in a dry climate are quite difficult. The plants need moist soil to thrive.