Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Wisconsin

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

The Short Answer

In Wisconsin, soil conditions are an important factor for turnips. Rich agricultural soils in southern half. Sandy soils in central plain. Heavy clay in some lake regions. Generally fertile. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Turnips can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Wisconsin Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Wisconsin 3b, 4a May 15 - Jun 1 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Central Wisconsin 4a, 4b May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Southern Wisconsin 4b, 5a, 5b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15

Turnips Planting Schedule for Wisconsin

Northern Wisconsin (Zones 3b, 4a)

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

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

Central Wisconsin (Zones 4a, 4b)

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

Southern Wisconsin (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)

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

Growing Turnips in Wisconsin

Turnips in Wisconsin's Climate

Turnips are a fast, cold-hardy root crop perfect for extending your short season. Direct sow 3 weeks before last frost and again in late August for frost-sweetened fall harvest. Both roots and greens are edible, doubling the crop's value. Hakurei Japanese salad turnips are especially quick — ready in 30-35 days.

Soil Considerations for Wisconsin

Rich agricultural soils in southern half. Sandy soils in central plain. Heavy clay in some lake regions. Generally fertile. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Wisconsin Climate & Growing Season

Cold winters. Warm summers. Lake Michigan moderates eastern climate. Good growing season in south. Short season in north. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Wisconsin's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Wisconsin: Northern Wisconsin (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Wisconsin (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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:

Peas Onions

The Bottom Line

Turnips can be grown successfully across Wisconsin, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Wisconsin gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southern Wisconsin can typically plant earlier. 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 Wisconsin Planting Calendar All plants for Wisconsin 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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