Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in New Mexico

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

The Short Answer

In New Mexico, soil conditions are an important factor for turnips. Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Caliche layers common. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Turnips can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

New Mexico Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern New Mexico 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b May 5 - May 25 Sep 15 - Oct 5
Central New Mexico (Albuquerque) 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 5
Southern New Mexico 7b, 8a, 8b Mar 15 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 15

Turnips Planting Schedule for New Mexico

Northern New Mexico (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b)

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

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

Central New Mexico (Albuquerque) (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Southern New Mexico (Zones 7b, 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

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

Growing Turnips in New Mexico

Turnips in New Mexico's Climate

Sow turnips from October through January. Fast maturity makes them productive even in a short cool window. Turnip greens are more common than root harvest in subtropical cooking traditions.

Soil Considerations for New Mexico

Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Caliche layers common. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

New Mexico Climate & Growing Season

High desert climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings day to night. Irrigation essential. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in New Mexico's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across New Mexico: Northern New Mexico (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) has a last frost around May 5 - May 25, while Southern New Mexico (7b, 8a, 8b) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 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 New Mexico, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Mexico gardeners should plan around a May 5 - May 25 last frost, while those in Southern New Mexico 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 New Mexico Planting Calendar All plants for New Mexico 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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