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When to Plant Turnip in Wisconsin

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.

Wisconsin spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Turnip planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Turnip Planting Calendar for Wisconsin

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Fall Sowing June 30 Jun 30 – Jul 14
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 19
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Jul 15
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Fall Sowing July 11 Jul 11 – Jul 25
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 10
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 – Aug 13
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Jun 27
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18
Harvest May 16 May 16 – Jun 20

Growing Tips for Wisconsin

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Turnip in Wisconsin?

Planting dates for Turnip in Wisconsin depend on your USDA zone. Wisconsin spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Wisconsin for planting?

Wisconsin contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.