When to Plant Turnip in Polk County, TX
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.
Polk County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 264 days.
At an elevation of 292 feet, Polk County receives approximately 63 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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.
Polk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Polk County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Turnip Planting Timeline — Polk County, TX
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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
264 days in Polk County
Growing Tips for Polk 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Polk County, TX?
Polk County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Polk County, TX?
Polk County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 23.
Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Polk 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.