When to Plant Turnip in USDA Zone 2b
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.
In Zone 2b, the average last spring frost is around May 22 and the first fall frost is around September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 111 days.
Turnip Planting Timeline — Zone 2b
Where Is USDA Zone 2b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 2b. Click any state to see the Turnip planting schedule for that location.
Turnip Planting Calendar — Zone 2b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 2b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 2b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
-45°F to -40°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
111 days (Zone 2b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 4 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Turnip in Zone 2b
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Turnip in Zone 2b
Zone 2b has a short growing season (~111 days). Start Turnip indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
Saving Turnip Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Turnip in Other Zones
Turnip by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Turnip in Zone 2b?
In Zone 2b, plan your Turnip planting around the average last frost date of May 22. Direct sow outdoors around May 15.
Can Turnip grow in Zone 2b?
Yes, Turnip can grow well in Zone 2b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Zone 2b has a growing season of approximately 111 days, which is sufficient for Turnip (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Turnip in Zone 2b?
In Zone 2b, expect to harvest Turnip from June 26 – July 31. Turnip takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 2b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2b is around May 22, and the first fall frost is around September 10. This gives a growing season of approximately 111 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Turnip?
Good companion plants for Turnip include Peas, Lettuce, Onion. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 2b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.
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