FrostCal

When to Plant Turnips in Virginia

In a typical Virginia location, sow outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in Newport News and as late as Mar 29 in Radford. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 20 – Sep 3.

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
Virginia BeachMar 1 – Mar 15Sep 3 – Sep 17
NorfolkFeb 23 – Mar 9Sep 7 – Sep 21
ChesapeakeFeb 23 – Mar 9Sep 7 – Sep 21
RichmondMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 26 – Sep 9
ArlingtonMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 22 – Sep 5
Newport NewsFeb 16 – Mar 2Sep 17 – Oct 1
AlexandriaMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 30 – Sep 13
East HamptonFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 6 – Sep 20
HamptonFeb 24 – Mar 10Sep 6 – Sep 20
RoanokeMar 6 – Mar 20Aug 23 – Sep 6
Portsmouth HeightsFeb 23 – Mar 9Sep 7 – Sep 21
PortsmouthFeb 23 – Mar 9Sep 7 – Sep 21
SuffolkFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 6 – Sep 20
South SuffolkFeb 27 – Mar 13Sep 6 – Sep 20
LynchburgMar 20 – Apr 3Aug 16 – Aug 30
CentrevilleMar 18 – Apr 1Aug 15 – Aug 29
Dale CityFeb 28 – Mar 14Aug 30 – Sep 13
West LynchburgMar 20 – Apr 3Aug 16 – Aug 30
RestonMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 20 – Sep 3
HarrisonburgMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 14 – Aug 28
LeesburgMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 16 – Aug 30
McLeanMar 12 – Mar 26Aug 22 – Sep 5
CharlottesvilleMar 8 – Mar 22Aug 26 – Sep 9
TuckahoeMar 13 – Mar 27Aug 22 – Sep 5
BlacksburgMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 10 – Aug 24
AshburnMar 16 – Mar 30Aug 17 – Aug 31
DanvilleMar 11 – Mar 25Aug 23 – Sep 6
ManassasMar 15 – Mar 29Aug 18 – Sep 1
Lake RidgeMar 15 – Mar 29Aug 18 – Sep 1
BurkeMar 17 – Mar 31Aug 20 – Sep 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 118 Virginia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Virginia cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant turnips in Virginia?

In a typical Virginia location, sow outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in Newport News and as late as Mar 29 in Radford. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 20 – Sep 3.

When is the last frost in Virginia?

The average last spring frost in Virginia ranges from March 16 in Newport News to April 26 in Radford, 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 Virginia

When to plant turnips in other states

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