Can You Plant Turnip Bulbs in the Winter?

Identification

• Turnips are native to Europe, where ancient peoples developed several types in the Mediterranean region. Turnips then branched out into Asia, where the Asiatic turnip was developed. Now they are winter hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 11, where they can overwinter on their own in warm areas or with a thick cover of snow in cold ones. They are biennials which produce seed in their second year. Nevertheless, they are most commonly grown as an annual. Where temperatures are warm enough year-round, they may be planted in winter.

Planting

• Turnip seeds germinate and develop into bulbs best in a temperature range between 40 and 60 F. Hotter weather tends to make them bitter and tough, while stretches of colder weather in the middle of their development can induce a seed stalk which will ruin their flavor. Plant at least 3 months before chance of heavy frost, 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 18 inches apart. When seedlings appear, thin them to 2 to 4 inches. Where heavy frost is not a problem during the fall and winter months, they can be planted any time between September and February and harvested any time between November and March.

Culture

• Although turnips will grow in a wide variety of soil types, they prefer fertile, well-drained soil. The best soils may be sandy loams, which won’t stick to the roots when you try to harvest them during wet or rainy periods. Consistent moisture will give turnips the best flavor and induce the quickest growth, and extended periods of dryness or lower overall moisture will tend to make turnips more pungent and less sweet. Turnips also require plenty of sun, so plant where they will not be shaded out.

Harvesting

• Turnips may be harvested as well as planted in wintertime. While you should pay attention to the stated maturity period of the cultivar you choose, usually somewhere between 35 and 75 days, the best indicator that a turnip is ready is the root, which should be between 2 and 3 inches for best flavor. Once mature, turnips may either be pulled and stored in the refrigerator, dipped in warm wax to extend moisture and therefore storage life, or they may be left in the ground for harvest throughout the winter.