Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Ohio

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

The Short Answer

Turnips are an underappreciated gem in the Ohio garden — fast-growing, cold-hardy, and productive in both root and green form. They fill the cool-season gap nicely and can be one of the first and last crops of the Ohio year.

Ohio Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Ohio 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Ohio 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Ohio 6b Apr 15 - Apr 30 Oct 15 - Oct 30

Turnips Planting Schedule for Ohio

Northern Ohio (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Central Ohio (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Southern Ohio (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - Apr 30 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Oct 30

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

Growing Turnips in Ohio

State-Specific Growing Tips

Spring: direct sow 3 weeks before last frost. Fall: sow in late August for harvest sweetened by frost. Turnips handle Ohio's clay reasonably well — better than carrots, similar to beets. Harvest roots at 2-3 inches for tenderness. Fall turnips taste noticeably sweeter after frost exposure.

Recommended Varieties for Ohio

Purple Top White Globe (classic). Hakurei (Japanese salad turnip — sweet, tender, fast). Tokyo Cross. Ohio State Extension recommends turnips as an easy, underutilized cool-season root crop.

Common Challenges in Ohio

Flea beetles on leaves. Cabbage root maggot. Bolting in summer heat. Minimal disease issues.

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 Ohio with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Ohio gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Southern Ohio sees frost end around Apr 15 - Apr 30. 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 Ohio Planting Calendar All plants for Ohio 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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