When to Plant Turnips in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 8 – Aug 22.
Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost.
Turnips Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Cedar Rapids | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Davenport | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Sioux City | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Iowa City | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Waterloo | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Ames | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| West Des Moines | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Council Bluffs | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Dubuque | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Ankeny | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Urbandale | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Cedar Falls | Mar 30 – Apr 13 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Marion | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Bettendorf | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Marshalltown | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Mason City | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Clinton | Mar 16 – Mar 30 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Burlington | Mar 18 – Apr 1 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Fort Dodge | Mar 31 – Apr 14 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Ottumwa | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Muscatine | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Johnston | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Coralville | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Waukee | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Altoona | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| North Liberty | Mar 24 – Apr 7 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Indianola | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Clive | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
| Newton | Mar 25 – Apr 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant turnips in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 8 – Aug 22.
When is the last frost in Iowa?
The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant turnips in other states