Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Oklahoma

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

The Short Answer

In Oklahoma, soil conditions are an important factor for turnips. Red clay soils common. Alkaline in west. Rich prairie soils in east. Wind erosion in western panhandle. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Turnips can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Oklahoma Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Oklahoma 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Central Oklahoma 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 25 - Nov 10
Southern Oklahoma 7b Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Turnips Planting Schedule for Oklahoma

Northern Oklahoma (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Central Oklahoma (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 10

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

Southern Oklahoma (Zones 7b)

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 Oklahoma

Turnips in Oklahoma's Climate

Turnips are a productive cool-season crop in your climate. Sow from September through February. Both roots and greens are staples of Southern cooking — turnip greens cooked with ham hock is a classic. Frost sweetens both roots and greens.

Soil Considerations for Oklahoma

Red clay soils common. Alkaline in west. Rich prairie soils in east. Wind erosion in western panhandle. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Oklahoma Climate & Growing Season

Hot summers. Severe thunderstorms and tornado risk. Good growing season length. Windy — windbreaks help gardens. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Oklahoma's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Oklahoma: Northern Oklahoma (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Oklahoma (7b) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. 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 Oklahoma, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Oklahoma gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Planting Calendar All plants for Oklahoma 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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