PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 2 – March 16

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Philadelphia year

Climate basis: NOAA station Phila Franklin Inst, PA (USC00366886), 1 mi (1 km) from downtown Philadelphia (ZCTA 19107 centroid), elevation 60 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 30). One year in ten still freezes after April 12.

Last spring freezeMarch 301-in-10 after Apr 12
First fall freezeNovember 171-in-10 before Nov 4
Frost-free season≈ 232 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 17 – Nov 29kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Philadelphia year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 2 – Mar 16
Fall plantingSep 22 – Oct 20
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 12
Turnips in Philadelphia · freeze context from Phila Franklin Inst, PA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 2 – Mar 16

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

Fall planting

Sep 22 – Oct 20

Purdue Table 2: plant fall turnips at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 17). 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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