PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips in Little Rock, Arkansas

February 21 – March 7

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Little Rock year

Climate basis: NOAA station Little Rock AP Adams Fld, AR (USW00013963), 3 mi (4 km) from downtown Little Rock (ZCTA 72201 centroid), elevation 258 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow turnips from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 21). One year in ten still freezes after April 6.

Last spring freezeMarch 211-in-10 after Apr 6
First fall freezeNovember 101-in-10 before Oct 29
Frost-free season≈ 234 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 8 – Nov 21kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Little Rock year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7
Fall plantingSep 15 – Oct 13
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 6
Turnips in Little Rock · freeze context from Little Rock AP Adams Fld, AR, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 21 – Mar 7

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 (Mar 21). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 15 – Oct 13

Purdue Table 2: plant fall turnips at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 10). 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)

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