PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips in Chicago, Illinois

March 13 – March 27

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Chicago year

Climate basis: NOAA station Chicago Northerly Is, IL (USC00111550), 2 mi (3 km) from downtown Chicago (ZCTA 60602 centroid), elevation 583 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow turnips from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 10). One year in ten still freezes after April 25.

Last spring freezeApril 101-in-10 after Apr 25
First fall freezeNovember 51-in-10 before Oct 24
Frost-free season≈ 208 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 1 – Nov 15kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Chicago year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 13 – Mar 27
Fall plantingSep 10 – Oct 8
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 25
Turnips in Chicago · freeze context from Chicago Northerly Is, IL, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 13 – Mar 27

Purdue: hardy — 4–6 weeks before the last frost; Penn State's earliest sowing Apr 3 (−28 days) is the later start and is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 10). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 10 – Oct 8

Purdue Table 2: plant fall turnips at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 5). Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 45–60 days; Penn State lists 55).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

Keep exploring

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Local overview