Sow turnips outdoors March–July, in succession every three weeks for a steady supply, and harvest May through October. Pick early varieties at golf-ball size for eating raw, or let maincrops reach tennis-ball size for cooking — roots left longer turn woody.
Last updated 3 July 2026
Fast-growing and versatile, turnips can be harvested as tender baby roots in summer or left to bulk up for autumn meals.
Not sure when to sow? See our When to Plant Turnips UK →
Sowing dates and growing advice verified against RHS guidance by the SoilCommander Growing Team.
Part of the UK Vegetable Growing Guides — how-to-grow guides for every crop.
Turnip Growing Calendar
| Type | Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Spring/summer turnips | March – June | May – August (harvest at golf-ball size) |
| Autumn/winter turnips | July – August | September – December |
| Turnip tops (greens) | August – September | October – November |
Regional Planting Notes
The RHS notes that in milder parts of the UK, turnip roots can be left in the ground over winter — protected with cloches or plastic-free fleece — and lifted as needed. In Scotland and other regions with harder frosts, lift the maincrop and store it under cover instead of relying on in-ground storage.
Best Turnip Varieties
- Atlantic (AGM) — early, purple-topped, does well in containers.
- Tokyo Cross (AGM) — fast-growing, white, crisp and mild.
- Temari Red — scarlet roots with white/red flesh.
- Oasis — sweet flavour, slow to bolt.
Source: RHS turnips grow-your-own guide.
Common Turnip Mistakes
- Leaving roots too long before pulling — turnips turn woody and hot past golf-ball (raw) or tennis-ball (cooking) size.
- Letting soil dry out — RHS warns that inconsistent moisture causes small, woody roots and premature flowering.
- Skipping mesh protection — cover immediately after sowing against flea beetle and cabbage root fly.
- Sowing into acidic, unlimed soil — as a brassica, turnips share club root risk; keep soil near neutral pH and rotate beds.
- Overcrowding maincrops — thin to 23cm for full-size roots; mini-veg can stay closer at 10cm.
Key Tips
- Harvest summer turnips at golf-ball size — they become woody and hot if left too large
- Succession sow every 3–4 weeks March–May for continuous summer supply
- Cover with fine mesh immediately after sowing to protect against flea beetle
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I sow turnips in the UK?
Sow outdoors March to July, in succession every three to four weeks, for a continuous supply of young roots through summer and autumn.
How big should turnips be before harvesting?
Pull at golf-ball size for the sweetest raw eating, or let maincrops reach tennis-ball size for cooking. Roots left in the ground longer turn woody and lose flavour.
Can turnips be left in the ground over winter?
In milder parts of the UK, yes — protect with cloches or fleece and lift as needed, per RHS guidance. In Scotland and other harder-frost regions, lift the maincrop and store it under cover instead.
What pests attack turnips?
Flea beetle, cabbage root fly, and club root are the main risks, since turnips are brassicas. Net beds immediately after sowing and rotate turnips away from other brassicas each year.
Regional Planting Notes
Gardeners in Scotland and colder regions get the most reliable roots by lifting the main crop and storing it before the ground freezes, rather than relying on in-situ storage — consistent with the Met Office's finding that hard frost sets in earliest in the north.
Plan Your Turnip Succession
Turnips turn woody fast once ready — get harvest-window reminders and successional sowing dates for turnips and 38 other UK crops.
Get the Garden PlannerBrowse all sowing dates: UK vegetable planting calendar · All guides: UK vegetable growing guides
Last updated 4 July 2026
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