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When to plant Turnip in Manatee County, FL

Turnip planted in Manatee County between January 7 and January 28 matures in 40–60 days — well before the December 20 first frost. A second sowing from October 25 to November 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Turnip in Manatee County, FL

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.

Manatee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 326 days.

At an elevation of 237 feet, Manatee County receives approximately 57.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Turnip may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Turnip will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Turnip root diseases.

Manatee County, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
326 days
Last Spring Frost January 28
326 growing days
First Fall Frost December 20

Manatee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

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 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Manatee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Turnip Planting Timeline — Manatee County, FL

Turnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow January 7 Jan 7 – Jan 28
Harvest February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 25
Fall Sowing October 25 Oct 25 – Nov 8

Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Direct Sow
February Harvest
March Harvest
April
May
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November Fall Sowing
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10a

📆 Growing Season

326 days in Manatee County

Growing Tips for Manatee County

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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Turnip in Manatee County, FL?

Manatee County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Manatee County, FL?

Manatee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 20.

When should I plant Turnip in Manatee County, FL?

In Manatee County, FL, plant Turnip after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Manatee County, FL for Turnip?

Manatee County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Turnip grow in Manatee County's climate?

Yes — Turnip grows well in Manatee County's temperate climate. Manatee County averages a 327-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 20.

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Your Manatee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Manatee County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Manatee County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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