Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Texas

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

The Short Answer

Turnips are a Texas cool-season staple — both the roots and the greens are traditional Southern cooking ingredients. Turnip greens cooked with ham hock is a Texas comfort food that dates back generations.

Texas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Turnips Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 10 - Mar 25 · Average first frost: Nov 5 - Nov 20

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

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

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

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

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

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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

Growing Turnips in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

Sow September through February statewide. Turnips grow fast in Texas's mild cool season. Harvest greens anytime; harvest roots at 2-3 inches. Frost sweetens both roots and greens. Texas A&M considers turnips one of the easiest cool-season crops.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Purple Top White Globe, Seven Top (grown primarily for greens, not roots). Hakurei for salad turnips.

Common Challenges in Texas

Heat ends the season. Flea beetles. Aphids on greens. 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 Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 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 Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas 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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