When to plant Turnip in Cedar County, MO
In Cedar County, plant Turnip in spring between March 25 and April 15, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Cedar County's last frost averages April 8, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 17 and August 31 — roughly 40–60 days before the first frost on October 26.
When to Plant Turnip in Cedar County, MO
Cedar County, Missouri gardeners: here's your July plan
A quick July briefing for Cedar County, Missouri gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- Fall sowing: turnip
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.
Cedar County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 1,062 feet, Cedar County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season.
Cedar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
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 Cedar County
How your county's soil matches Turnip's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.8) overlaps with Turnip's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cedar County is excellent for Turnip — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 Aug 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Turnip Water Budget
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cedar 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 — Cedar County, MO
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – Jun 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Cedar County
Growing Tips for Turnip in Cedar County
Direct sow Turnip outdoors after April 08 in Cedar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 201.0-day season in Cedar County allows multiple plantings of Turnip. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Turnip in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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 Cedar County, MO?
Cedar County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cedar County, MO?
Cedar County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Turnip in Cedar County, MO?
In Cedar County, MO, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cedar County, MO for Turnip?
Cedar County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Turnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Turnip grow in Cedar County's climate?
Yes — Turnip grows well in Cedar County's temperate climate. Cedar County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.
Your Cedar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cedar County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.