When to Plant Turnip in Lafourche Parish, LA
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.
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is January 27 and the first fall frost is December 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 306 feet, Lafourche Parish receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam 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.
Lafourche Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Turnip Planting Timeline — Lafourche Parish, LA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 6 | Jan 6 – Jan 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 23 | Oct 23 – Nov 6 |
| Harvest | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
325 days
Growing Tips for Lafourche Parish
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
Level Up Your Garden
Turnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Lafourche Parish, LA?
Lafourche Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of January 27. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafourche Parish, LA?
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is January 27 and first fall frost is December 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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