Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Illinois

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

The Short Answer

In Illinois, soil conditions are an important factor for turnips. Rich prairie soils — some of the most fertile in the country. Heavy clay in many areas. Well-suited for most vegetables. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Turnips can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Illinois Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Illinois (Chicago) 5a, 5b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Illinois 5b, 6a Apr 15 - May 1 Oct 5 - Oct 20
Southern Illinois 6b, 7a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Turnips Planting Schedule for Illinois

Northern Illinois (Chicago) (Zones 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Central Illinois (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20

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

Southern Illinois (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

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

Growing Turnips in Illinois

Turnips in Illinois's Climate

Turnips fill the cool-season gaps beautifully. Spring and fall plantings both work well. Fall turnips taste noticeably sweeter after frost exposure. Quick maturity (35-60 days) makes them excellent for succession planting and filling gaps between main crops.

Soil Considerations for Illinois

Rich prairie soils — some of the most fertile in the country. Heavy clay in many areas. Well-suited for most vegetables. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Illinois Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Cold winters. Good growing season length in central and southern regions. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Illinois's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Illinois: Northern Illinois (Chicago) (5a, 5b) has a last frost around Apr 25 - May 10, while Southern Illinois (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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 Illinois, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Illinois (Chicago) gardeners should plan around a Apr 25 - May 10 last frost, while those in Southern Illinois 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 Illinois Planting Calendar All plants for Illinois Turnips in Alabama Alabama planting dates Turnips in Alaska Alaska 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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