Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Pennsylvania

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

The Short Answer

Turnips are a practical, fast-growing crop for Pennsylvania's cool seasons — less glamorous than some vegetables but reliably productive and nearly foolproof.

Pennsylvania Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Pennsylvania 5a, 5b, 6a May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Central Pennsylvania 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Philadelphia Region 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 5

Turnips Planting Schedule for Pennsylvania

Northern Pennsylvania (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5

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

Central Pennsylvania (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Philadelphia Region (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Growing Turnips in Pennsylvania

State-Specific Growing Tips

Spring: sow from mid-April. Fall: sow late July-August for frost-sweetened harvest. Pennsylvania's varied soils all grow turnips well.

Recommended Varieties for Pennsylvania

Purple Top White Globe, Hakurei. Penn State Extension includes turnips in cool-season crop recommendations.

Common Challenges in Pennsylvania

Flea beetles. Cabbage root maggot. Minimal disease.

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 Pennsylvania with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Pennsylvania gardeners work with a last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Philadelphia Region sees frost end around Apr 5 - Apr 20. 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 Pennsylvania Planting Calendar All plants for Pennsylvania 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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