Turnip in Zone 3a & 3b
Brassica rapa
When to plant turnip in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Turnip doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 9–May 16 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 28–Jul 5 (~50 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Turnips are an underused fast crop: direct-sown, no transplanting fuss, and ready to eat in under two months. They're an easy way to fill a bed gap between slower-growing neighbors.
How turnip fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Turnip needs about 50 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
- Pea: Peas fix nitrogen that benefits neighboring root crops.
Where to buy turnip seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing turnip" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Turnip in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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