When to Plant Turnip in St. Bernard 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.
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 312 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, St. Bernard Parish receives approximately 51.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 104°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.
St. Bernard Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 — St. Bernard Parish, LA
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 12 | Jan 12 – Feb 2 |
| Fall Sowing | October 16 | Oct 16 – Oct 30 |
| Harvest | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Direct Sow Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | — |
| 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
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 9a
Growing Season
312 days
Growing Tips for St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Turnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Bernard Parish, LA?
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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