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When to plant Turnip in Johnson County, MO

Plant Turnip in Johnson County after April 13; the prime window is March 30–April 20. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Turnip in Johnson County, MO

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.

Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Turnip during the growing season.

Johnson County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Turnip Planting Timeline — Johnson County, MO

Turnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest May 11 May 11 – Jun 15
Fall Sowing August 14 Aug 14 – Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, MO?

Johnson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, MO?

Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Turnip in Johnson County, MO?

In Johnson County, MO, plant Turnip after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Johnson County, MO for Turnip?

Johnson 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 Johnson County's climate?

Yes — Turnip grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson 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.

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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 Johnson County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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