PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

April 3 – April 17

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Sioux Falls year

Climate basis: NOAA station Sioux Falls, SD (USW00014944), 2 mi (3 km) from downtown Sioux Falls (ZCTA 57104 centroid), elevation 1430 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow turnips from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 1). One year in ten still freezes after May 14.

Last spring freezeMay 11-in-10 after May 14
First fall freezeOctober 61-in-10 before Sep 23
Frost-free season≈ 157 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 22 – Oct 17kills even hardy greens
USDA zone5a-20 to -15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Sioux Falls year

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 3 – Apr 17
Fall plantingAug 11 – Sep 8
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 14
Turnips in Sioux Falls · freeze context from Sioux Falls, SD, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 3 – Apr 17

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 (May 1). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Aug 11 – Sep 8

Purdue Table 2: plant fall turnips at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 6). 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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