Turnip greens are a fast-growing, cool-weather crop cherished by home gardeners for their tangy, nutritious leaves. The question of whether it is too late to plant these greens depends entirely on your current season and local climate zone. Turnips are highly adaptable, and understanding their temperature needs allows for successful planting beyond the most commonly recommended timeframes. By adjusting your timing and technique, you can often extend your harvest season well into the cooler months.
The Dual Planting Windows
Turnip greens thrive in cooler temperatures, which is why they are planted during two distinct windows. The first planting occurs in early spring, approximately two to three weeks before the average last frost date, for a quick harvest before the summer heat arrives. The second season for turnip greens is late summer or early fall. This timing allows the plants to mature as temperatures drop, with optimal growth occurring between 40°F and the low 60s°F. Cooler weather naturally sweetens the leaves and prevents the plants from “bolting,” which is when they prematurely flower and produce bitter foliage.
Strategies for Late-Season Sowing
If the ideal early fall window has passed, you can still attempt a successful late-season planting by calculating your target harvest date. Most turnip varieties mature in 35 to 60 days, so you should count backward from your region’s average first hard frost date, adding an extra week for potential slow germination. For example, if your hard frost is expected in 60 days, aim to sow seeds now using a fast-maturing variety.
To encourage quick sprouting in soil that may still be warm, pre-soak seeds in water for a few hours before planting. Certain varieties, such as ‘All Top,’ ‘Seven Top,’ or ‘Hakurei,’ are specifically bred for fast growth and leaf production, making them superior choices for late sowing. If the weather remains unexpectedly hot, mitigate high temperatures by planting in a location that receives afternoon shade or by using a light shade cloth. This protection helps keep the soil cool and reduces the stress that causes greens to become tough and bitter.
Specific Needs for Maximizing Leaf Production
Growing turnip greens specifically for their leaves requires a different approach to soil preparation than if you were growing for the root. Focus your soil amendments on boosting nitrogen, which is the macronutrient responsible for vigorous leaf and stem development. Incorporate rich organic matter like aged compost or a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as blood meal, into the top layer of the soil before planting. Avoid over-fertilizing with phosphorus, which promotes root growth at the expense of foliage.
Consistent and abundant moisture is necessary to keep the leaves tender and sweet throughout their development. Dry soil can cause the greens to become pungent and tough, so aim for at least one inch of water per week, or more if the weather is warm and dry. When the seedlings establish themselves, thin them to a closer spacing, such as three to four inches apart, which encourages leaf production over root bulb development.
Finally, use the “cut-and-come-again” harvesting method by clipping only the outer, larger leaves, leaving the central growing point intact. This technique allows the plant to continuously produce new, tender foliage for multiple harvests during the cool season.