Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in North Carolina

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

The Short Answer

Turnips are deeply embedded in North Carolina's food culture — turnip greens are a traditional side dish, and the crop grows easily across all three regions during the cool season.

North Carolina Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountains 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Coastal Plain 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Turnips Planting Schedule for North Carolina

Mountains (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

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

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

Piedmont (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Coastal Plain (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

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

Growing Turnips in North Carolina

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: sow March through May, August. Piedmont: sow September through March. Coastal: October through February. NC State Extension recommends turnips as one of the easiest crops for beginners.

Recommended Varieties for North Carolina

Purple Top White Globe, Seven Top. NC State variety data available.

Common Challenges in North Carolina

Flea beetles. Aphids. Bolting in warmth.

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 in North Carolina with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 25 - May 15, while Coastal Plain sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 North Carolina Planting Calendar All plants for North Carolina 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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