When to Plant Turnips in Kansas
A fast-growing, cold-hardy root crop that's underappreciated. Both the root and the greens are delicious.
The Short Answer
Kansas Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Kansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kansas | 5b, 6a | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Central Kansas | 6a, 6b | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Southern Kansas | 6b, 7a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Turnips Planting Schedule for Kansas
Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Turnips in Kansas
Turnips in Kansas'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 Kansas
Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Kansas Climate & Growing Season
Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Kansas's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (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:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026