When To Plant Forage Turnips

When to plant forage turnips depends heavily on your local climate and your intended grazing schedule.
 
For most growers, the best time to plant forage turnips is in late summer, roughly 60 to 90 days before your first expected fall frost.
 
This timing gives the roots enough time to bulb up and the tops enough leafy growth to provide excellent grazing for deer, livestock, or wildlife.
 
If you are planting in northern regions with cooler summers, you might shift your forage turnip planting window to early August.
 
In southern states with milder winters, you can often wait until September or even early October for a successful fall crop.
 
Knowing when to plant forage turnips is truly the key to unlocking a lush, high-protein food plot that lasts through winter.
 
In this guide, we’ll break down the ideal planting windows by region, the factors that affect turnip growth, and the best practices for a thriving plot.
 
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about when to plant forage turnips so you can time your planting perfectly.
 

When to Plant Forage Turnips: The Ideal Season

The answer to when to plant forage turnips is almost always late summer to early fall, but there’s a bit more nuance to it.
 
Forage turnips are cool-season brassicas, which means they thrive in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F.
 
They don’t handle the heat of midsummer well, as hot soil can cause poor germination and bitter flavors.
 
So, when to plant forage turnips comes down to working backward from your first frost date.
 
Count back about 90 days from that frost date, and that’s your target planting window.
 
Planting too early in hot, dry soil leads to patchy stands, while planting too late gives the turnips no time to develop those big, carbohydrate-rich roots.
 

1. Northern Climates (Zones 3-5)

In northern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Maine, you’ll want to plant forage turnips in early to mid-August.
 
The soil is still warm enough for quick germination, but the cooler nights that follow will encourage vigorous root growth.
 
For northern growers, when to plant forage turnips is critical because the growing season is short, and frost can arrive as early as late September.
 
Aim for August 1st to August 15th as your sweet spot.
 
This gives the turnips roughly 70-90 days of growth before hard freezes hit.
 

2. Transitional Climates (Zones 6-7)

If you live in the Midwest or mid-Atlantic regions, your best time to plant forage turnips is late August through mid-September.
 
These areas enjoy a more forgiving fall, with first frosts typically arriving in mid-October or early November.
 
So, when to plant forage turnips here? Aim for August 20th to September 10th.
 
This window allows the roots to mature fully while the tops remain tender and palatable for grazing animals.
 

3. Southern Climates (Zones 8-9)

Southern gardeners and landowners can plant forage turnips a bit later, usually from mid-September to mid-October.
 
Since winters are milder, the turnips can grow right through the season and even into early spring if left in the ground.
 
In these warmer zones, when to plant forage turnips shifts later, so you can also get away with planting in early November.
 
Just be sure the soil temperature is still above 50°F for germination.
 

Factors That Impact When to Plant Forage Turnips

Beyond your region, several environmental factors should guide your decision on when to plant forage turnips.
 
Understanding these will help you adapt the general timeline to your specific plot.
 

1. Soil Temperature and Moisture

Turnip seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F.
 
If you plant too early when soil is roasting hot (above 80°F), germination rates drop sharply.
 
If you plant when the soil is cold and wet, seeds may rot before they sprout.
 
A simple soil thermometer takes the guesswork out of when to plant forage turnips.
 
Also, seeds need consistent moisture for the first two weeks, so planting right before a predicted rain shower can save you the chore of irrigation.
 

2. Your Grazing Goal

Ask yourself when you actually want your animals to graze the turnips, because that dictates when to plant forage turnips.
 
If you want fall grazing in October, plant in early August.
 
If you prefer late-winter grazing on the roots, you can plant in mid-September, as the tops will die back but the roots remain nutritious and accessible.
 
For deer plots, many hunters plant forage turnips in late summer so the plants are attractive during the fall hunting season.
 
So, when to plant forage turnips for you depends on whether you need early greens or late-season roots.
 

3. Turnip Variety and Maturity Days

Different forage turnip varieties have different maturity rates, which changes your planting schedule.
 
Fast-maturing types like ‘Purple Top’ may only need 60 days to produce harvestable roots.
 
Slower bulbing types like ‘Barkant’ might need 90-100 days.
 
Always check the seed packet for days-to-maturity, then count back from your expected frost date to determine when to plant forage turnips.
 

Best Practices for Planting Forage Turnips

Once you’ve nailed down when to plant forage turnips, you need to execute the planting correctly to maximize yields.
 

1. Prepare the Seedbed Well

Turnips prefer firm, weed-free seedbeds with a fine tilth.
 
Broadcast the seed at a rate of 4-6 pounds per acre, or drill them at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch.
 
Do not plant too deep, as small seeds need light and warmth to germinate.
 
Rolling or cultipacking after seeding ensures good soil-to-seed contact.
 

2. Fertilize for Root Development

Forage turnips are heavy feeders, especially on phosphorus and potassium.
 
Before planting, apply a fertilizer like 5-10-20 at a rate of 300-400 pounds per acre.
 
This boosts root growth from day one, regardless of when you plant forage turnips.
 
Avoid excessive nitrogen, as that will produce huge tops but tiny roots.
 

3. Control Weeds Early

Weeds compete aggressively with young turnip seedlings.
 
If you’re using a no-till drill, consider using a burn-down herbicide like glyphosate two weeks before planting.
 
Alternatively, mow and lightly till to disrupt weed growth.
 
Once you’ve established your planting date, monitor the plot weekly and address any weed pressure quickly.
 

So, When to Plant Forage Turnips?

When to plant forage turnips ultimately comes down to targeting late summer for most regions.
 
You’ll want to plant forage turnips approximately 60 to 90 days before your first killing frost.
 
For northern zones, that’s early August; for southern zones, it’s mid-September to October.
 
By aligning your planting date with soil temperatures, your grazing goals, and your variety’s maturity days, you’ll ensure a robust, nutritious plot.
 
The key is to avoid planting when it’s too hot and dry, as well as avoiding waiting too long that roots can’t form.
 
So, mark your calendar, prepare your seedbed, and get those forage turnips in the ground at the right time this season.
 
Now you know exactly when to plant forage turnips for maximum yield and year-round wildlife or livestock success.