When to Plant Turnips in Utah
A fast-growing, cold-hardy root crop that's underappreciated. Both the root and the greens are delicious.
The Short Answer
Utah Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Utah you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wasatch Front (SLC) | 6a, 6b, 7a | Apr 20 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 20 |
| Mountain Regions | 4a, 4b, 5a | May 25 - Jun 15 | Aug 25 - Sep 15 |
| Southern Utah | 6b, 7a, 7b | Apr 10 - May 1 | Oct 10 - Nov 1 |
Turnips Planting Schedule for Utah
Wasatch Front (SLC) (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20
Mountain Regions (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)
Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Utah (Zones 6b, 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Nov 1
Growing Turnips in Utah
Turnips in Utah'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 Utah
Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Saline soils in some areas. Heavy amendment with compost and sulfur needed. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Utah Climate & Growing Season
Arid climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings. Irrigation essential everywhere. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Utah's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Utah: Wasatch Front (SLC) (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 10, while Southern Utah (6b, 7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - May 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:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026