Turnips are fast and flexible — sow from March for summer salad turnips or from July for autumn roots.
Ready to start growing? Read our full How to Grow Turnips UK →
Sowing dates and growing advice verified against RHS guidance by the SoilCommander Growing Team.
Part of the UK Vegetable Planting Calendar — see all sowing dates and monthly guides.
Turnip Planting Calendar
| Type | Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Summer/salad 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 mild regions, turnips can be left in the ground over winter, “protected with cloches or plastic-free fleece,” and lifted as needed. In Scotland and other harder-frost areas — where the Met Office confirms frost lingers longest — lift and store the main crop before the ground freezes rather than relying on in-situ storage.
Recommended Varieties
- 'Tokyo Cross' AGM — one of the best-known salad turnips, crisp and mild.
- 'Oasis' AGM — slow to bolt or turn woody, with a delicate, sweet, fruity flavour.
- 'Atlantic' AGM — good for harvesting as baby veg, especially in containers.
Source: RHS turnips grow-your-own guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Watering inconsistently. Dry conditions make roots small and woody, and may cause splitting; too little water can also trigger bolting.
- Harvesting too late. Roots left past tennis-ball size can turn woody and bitter — pull them young for the best flavour.
- Over-harvesting the leaves. If you're growing mainly for the roots, don't strip too many leaves from each plant — root growth may be reduced.
- Leaving seedlings unprotected. Young plants need slug and snail protection, especially in damp weather, and may need bird netting too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which turnip variety is best for salads?
'Tokyo Cross' AGM is one of the oldest and best-known salad turnips, with crisp, mild flesh.
Which turnip variety resists bolting best?
'Oasis' AGM is slow to bolt or turn woody, with a delicate, sweet, fruity flavour that holds up well through summer.
Can I eat turnip leaves (tops)?
Yes — but if you're growing mainly for the roots, don't harvest too many leaves from each plant, or root growth may be reduced.
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Last updated 4 July 2026
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