Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Wyoming

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

The Short Answer

In Wyoming, soil conditions are an important factor for turnips. Alkaline, thin soils. Dry climate means little organic matter naturally. Wind erosion a significant challenge. Heavy amendment needed. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Turnips can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Wyoming Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Eastern Wyoming 4a, 4b, 5a May 10 - May 30 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Western Wyoming 3a, 3b, 4a May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Wyoming 4b, 5a, 5b May 15 - Jun 1 Sep 5 - Sep 20

Turnips Planting Schedule for Wyoming

Eastern Wyoming (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 30 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

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

Western Wyoming (Zones 3a, 3b, 4a)

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

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

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

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20

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

Growing Turnips in Wyoming

Turnips in Wyoming'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 Wyoming

Alkaline, thin soils. Dry climate means little organic matter naturally. Wind erosion a significant challenge. Heavy amendment 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.

Wyoming Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season. Very windy — wind protection essential for gardens. Low humidity. Cool nights even in summer at elevation. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Wyoming's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Wyoming: Eastern Wyoming (4a, 4b, 5a) has a last frost around May 10 - May 30, while Southern Wyoming (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 15 - Jun 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:

Peas Onions

The Bottom Line

Turnips can be grown successfully across Wyoming, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Eastern Wyoming gardeners should plan around a May 10 - May 30 last frost, while those in Southern Wyoming can typically plant later. 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 Wyoming Planting Calendar All plants for Wyoming 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates