When to plant Turnip in Pitkin County, CO
Spring Turnip in Pitkin County goes in June 2–June 23, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Turnip in Pitkin County, CO
Your August planting checklist for Pitkin County, Colorado
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this August, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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It's harvest week for turnip
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Turnips are a fast-growing cool-season root vegetable with edible roots and greens. Baby turnips are sweet and tender while mature ones are more pungent.
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 6,411 feet, Pitkin County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Turnip to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Turnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pitkin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Turnip Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Pitkin County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–8.3) is more alkaline than Turnip prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pitkin County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Turnip.
How to Plant Turnip
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Turnip
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 29.
Turnip Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Turnip
Turnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Turnip Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Pitkin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Turnip Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Turnip Planting Timeline — Pitkin County, CO
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Pitkin County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Pitkin County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after June 16 in Pitkin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Turnip in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Pitkin County receives only 18" of rain annually. Turnip needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in early spring or late summer. Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter for best flavor. Both the roots and the greens are nutritious and edible.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pitkin County, CO?
Pitkin County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Turnip in Pitkin County, CO?
In Pitkin County, CO, plant Turnip after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pitkin County, CO for Turnip?
Pitkin County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Turnip grow in Pitkin County's climate?
Yes — Turnip grows well in Pitkin County's temperate climate. Pitkin County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.
Your Pitkin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pitkin County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.