Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Virginia

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

The Short Answer

Virginia's moderate climate supports turnips from fall through spring, and the crop's dual-use nature (roots and greens) makes it exceptionally productive for the garden space it occupies.

Virginia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountain Virginia 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont/Central Virginia 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Tidewater/Coastal 7b, 8a Mar 20 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 10

Turnips Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

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

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

Piedmont/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

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

Growing Turnips in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: sow March through May, August. Piedmont: sow September through March. Tidewater: October through March. Virginia Tech Extension recommends fall turnips for best flavor.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Purple Top White Globe, Seven Top, Hakurei.

Common Challenges in Virginia

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 Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. 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 Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia 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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