How to Grow Turnip

Updated June 2026

A cool-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Turnip is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Turnip is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the turnip page for exact timing.

Varieties

Purple Top White Globe, Standard dual-purpose turnip (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
Seven Top, Grown for abundant greens (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 6 in between plants.
Sowing: sow about 0.5 in deep.
Water: roughly 1.1 gal per plant every 2 days in hot weather.
Containers: grows well in a pot of 10 in+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Flea beetle, Cabbage moth and Aphids. In humid regions, Clubroot, Downy mildew and White spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Turnip is usually ready to harvest in roughly 8 weeks. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant turnip where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →