PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

March 29 – April 12

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Milwaukee year

Climate basis: NOAA station West Allis, WI (USC00479046), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Milwaukee (ZCTA 53202 centroid), elevation 723 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 26). One year in ten still freezes after May 12.

Last spring freezeApril 261-in-10 after May 12
First fall freezeOctober 221-in-10 before Oct 7
Frost-free season≈ 177 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 14 – Nov 1kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Milwaukee year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 29 – Apr 12
Fall plantingAug 27 – Sep 24
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 12
Turnips in Milwaukee · freeze context from West Allis, WI, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 29 – Apr 12

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

Fall planting

Aug 27 – Sep 24

Purdue Table 2: plant fall turnips at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 22). 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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