Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Alaska

A fast-growing, cold-hardy root crop that's underappreciated. Both the root and the greens are delicious.

The Short Answer

In Alaska, soil conditions are an important factor for turnips. Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Turnips can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Alaska Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Alaska you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Interior Alaska 1a, 2a, 2b May 15 - Jun 1 Aug 20 - Sep 10
Southcentral Alaska 3b, 4a, 4b May 1 - May 20 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Southeast Alaska 5a, 5b, 6a Apr 15 - May 5 Sep 25 - Oct 15

Turnips Planting Schedule for Alaska

Interior Alaska (Zones 1a, 2a, 2b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Aug 20 - Sep 10

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southcentral Alaska (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southeast Alaska (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Turnips in Alaska

Turnips in Alaska's Climate

Turnips are a fast, cold-hardy root crop perfect for extending your short season. Direct sow 3 weeks before last frost and again in late August for frost-sweetened fall harvest. Both roots and greens are edible, doubling the crop's value. Hakurei Japanese salad turnips are especially quick — ready in 30-35 days.

Soil Considerations for Alaska

Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Alaska Climate & Growing Season

Extreme daylight variation. Summer days of 18-24 hours of sunlight accelerate growth. Very short growing season in interior. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Alaska's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Alaska: Interior Alaska (1a, 2a, 2b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southeast Alaska (5a, 5b, 6a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 5. This difference matters for turnips — but turnips handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.

Growing Tips

Great for spring and fall planting. Harvest small for tender roots. Fall-planted turnips taste sweeter after a frost.

Companion Planting

Plant turnips alongside these companions for better growth:

Peas Onions

The Bottom Line

Turnips can be grown successfully across Alaska, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Interior Alaska gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southeast Alaska can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Turnips Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Alaska Planting Calendar All plants for Alaska Turnips in Alabama Alabama planting dates Turnips in Arizona Arizona planting dates Turnips in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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