When to Plant Turnips in Pennsylvania

In a typical Pennsylvania location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 2 in Philadelphia and as late as Apr 17 in Hermitage. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 16 – Aug 30.

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
PhiladelphiaMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 8 – Sep 22
PittsburghMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 18 – Sep 1
AllentownMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 15 – Aug 29
ErieMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 26 – Sep 9
ReadingMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 20 – Sep 3
ScrantonMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 11 – Aug 25
BethlehemMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 15 – Aug 29
BensalemMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 16 – Aug 30
LancasterMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 15 – Aug 29
AbingtonMar 14 – Mar 28Aug 23 – Sep 6
LevittownMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 16 – Aug 30
HavertownMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 8 – Sep 22
HarrisburgMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 14 – Aug 28
AltoonaMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 12 – Aug 26
YorkMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 10 – Aug 24
State CollegeMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 17 – Aug 31
Wilkes-BarreMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 11 – Aug 25
NorristownMar 11 – Mar 25Aug 22 – Sep 5
ChesterMar 2 – Mar 16Sep 7 – Sep 21
Mount LebanonMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 19 – Sep 2
Bethel ParkMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 19 – Sep 2
WayneMar 11 – Mar 25Aug 22 – Sep 5
RadnorMar 11 – Mar 25Aug 22 – Sep 5
WilliamsportMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 15 – Aug 29
MonroevilleMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 16 – Aug 30
Cranberry TownshipMar 11 – Mar 25Aug 30 – Sep 13
Drexel HillMar 5 – Mar 19Sep 1 – Sep 15
PlumMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 23 – Sep 6
Back MountainMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 11 – Aug 25
EastonMar 21 – Apr 4Aug 16 – Aug 30

Showing the 30 most populous of 121 Pennsylvania cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Pennsylvania cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant turnips in Pennsylvania?

In a typical Pennsylvania location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 2 in Philadelphia and as late as Apr 17 in Hermitage. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 16 – Aug 30.

When is the last frost in Pennsylvania?

The average last spring frost in Pennsylvania ranges from March 30 in Philadelphia to May 15 in Hermitage, 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 Pennsylvania

When to plant turnips in other states

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