Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Minnesota

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

The Short Answer

In Minnesota, soil conditions are an important factor for turnips. Rich prairie soils in south and west. Rocky and thin soils in north. Generally excellent for gardening in southern half. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Turnips can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Minnesota Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Minnesota 3a, 3b May 15 - Jun 1 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Minnesota 3b, 4a May 5 - May 20 Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Minnesota 4a, 4b Apr 25 - May 10 Sep 25 - Oct 10

Turnips Planting Schedule for Minnesota

Northern Minnesota (Zones 3a, 3b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20

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

Central Minnesota (Zones 3b, 4a)

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

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

Southern Minnesota (Zones 4a, 4b)

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

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

Growing Turnips in Minnesota

Turnips in Minnesota'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 Minnesota

Rich prairie soils in south and west. Rocky and thin soils in north. Generally excellent for gardening in southern half. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Minnesota Climate & Growing Season

Long, cold winters. Warm summers. Short but productive growing season with long summer days. Hardy varieties essential. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Minnesota's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Minnesota: Northern Minnesota (3a, 3b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Minnesota (4a, 4b) sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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 Minnesota, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Minnesota gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southern Minnesota 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 Minnesota Planting Calendar All plants for Minnesota 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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