PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips in Raleigh, North Carolina

February 28 – March 14

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Raleigh year

Climate basis: NOAA station Raleigh State Univ, NC (USC00317079), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Raleigh (ZCTA 27601 centroid), elevation 400 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 28). One year in ten still freezes after April 12.

Last spring freezeMarch 281-in-10 after Apr 12
First fall freezeNovember 81-in-10 before Oct 28
Frost-free season≈ 229 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 14 – Nov 23kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Raleigh year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14
Fall plantingSep 13 – Oct 11
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 12
Turnips in Raleigh · freeze context from Raleigh State Univ, NC, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 28 – Mar 14

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

Fall planting

Sep 13 – Oct 11

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