When to Plant Turnips in Oregon
A fast-growing, cold-hardy root crop that's underappreciated. Both the root and the greens are delicious.
The Short Answer
Oregon Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Oregon you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willamette Valley | 8a, 8b | Mar 25 - Apr 15 | Oct 15 - Nov 10 |
| Portland Metro | 8b, 9a | Mar 15 - Apr 5 | Oct 25 - Nov 15 |
| Central/Eastern Oregon | 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b | May 10 - Jun 1 | Sep 10 - Oct 1 |
| Southern Oregon Coast | 8b, 9a, 9b | Mar 5 - Mar 25 | Nov 5 - Nov 25 |
Turnips Planting Schedule for Oregon
Willamette Valley (Zones 8a, 8b)
Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 10
Portland Metro (Zones 8b, 9a)
Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15
Central/Eastern Oregon (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: May 10 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Oct 1
Southern Oregon Coast (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)
Average last frost: Mar 5 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 25
Growing Turnips in Oregon
Turnips in Oregon'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 Oregon
Rich volcanic soils in Willamette Valley. Dry, alkaline soils east of Cascades. Acidic forest soils on coast. Generally excellent for gardening in valleys. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Oregon Climate & Growing Season
Dramatic east-west climate divide. Wet, mild winters west of Cascades. Dry, cold winters east. Year-round gardening possible in mild western valleys. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Oregon's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Oregon: Willamette Valley (8a, 8b) has a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Southern Oregon Coast (8b, 9a, 9b) sees frost end around Mar 5 - Mar 25. 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:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026