FrostCal

When to Plant Turnips in Illinois

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 13 – Aug 27.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 40–60 days

Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost.

Turnips Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
ChicagoMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 27 – Sep 10
AuroraMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 14 – Aug 28
RockfordMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 8 – Aug 22
JolietMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 16 – Aug 30
NapervilleMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 7 – Aug 21
PeoriaMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 14 – Aug 28
SpringfieldMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 13 – Aug 27
North PeoriaMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 14 – Aug 28
ElginMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 9 – Aug 23
WaukeganApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 10 – Aug 24
ChampaignMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 15 – Aug 29
CiceroMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 22 – Sep 5
BloomingtonMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 11 – Aug 25
Arlington HeightsMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 17 – Aug 31
EvanstonMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 12 – Aug 26
SchaumburgApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 4 – Aug 18
BolingbrookMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 13 – Aug 27
DecaturMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 15 – Aug 29
PalatineMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 10 – Aug 24
SkokieMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 12 – Aug 26
Des PlainesMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 19 – Sep 2
Orland ParkMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 13 – Aug 27
Tinley ParkMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 11 – Aug 25
Oak LawnMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 23 – Sep 6
BerwynMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 22 – Sep 5
Mount ProspectMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 17 – Aug 31
NormalMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 7 – Aug 21
WheatonMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 7 – Aug 21
Oak ParkMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 22 – Sep 5
Hoffman EstatesApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 4 – Aug 18

Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant turnips in Illinois?

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 13 – Aug 27.

When is the last frost in Illinois?

The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do turnips take to grow?

Turnips typically take 40–60 days from planting to harvest. Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost.

Other Crops in Illinois

When to plant turnips in other states

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