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When to plant Turnip in Marion County, FL

The best window to plant Turnip in Marion County, is January 25–February 15, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits February 15; first frost December 1. A second sowing from October 6 to October 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Turnip in Marion 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.

Marion County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.

At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°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.

Marion County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
289 days
Last Spring Frost February 15
289 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Turnip Planting Timeline — Marion County, FL

Turnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 15
Harvest March 8 Mar 8 – Apr 12
Fall Sowing October 6 Oct 6 – Oct 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Direct Sow
February Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

289 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Marion 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 Marion County, FL?

Marion County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 15. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, FL?

Marion County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and first fall frost is December 1.

When should I plant Turnip in Marion County, FL?

In Marion County, FL, plant Turnip after the last frost (around February 15) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Marion County, FL for Turnip?

Marion County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Turnip grow in Marion County's climate?

Yes — Turnip grows well in Marion County's temperate climate. Marion County averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 15 and first frost around December 1.

🌱

Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 9a). 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 Marion County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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