Rainline Garden

When to plant turnips in Spokane, WA

Plant turnips from seed, directly in the garden in Spokane, Apr 1 – May 13. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 10–24.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Spokane's typical last spring frost is April 26. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
Thin to 4 inches apart
Planting depth
½ inch deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 50 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Apr 1 – May 13, ½ inch deep, Thin to 4 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Plant again Aug 10–24 for a fall harvest.
  5. Harvest: Pull at 2 to 3 inches across for tender roots. The greens are good to eat too.

Varieties that do well here

  • Hakurei (salad turnip)
  • Purple Top White Globe
  • Scarlet Queen

Watch out for

Cabbage root maggots tunnel into roots in cool, wet soil. Cover the bed with row cover from sowing on.

Harvest small for tender roots. Fall turnips sweeten after a light frost.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Spokane, WA?

Typically April 26. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Spokane International Airport.

Is it too late to plant turnips in Spokane?

The spring planting window runs through May 13. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 10 to August 24.

How long until I can harvest turnips?

About 50 days after planting. Pull at 2 to 3 inches across for tender roots. The greens are good to eat too.

Also plant in Spokane around the same time

Planting dates for turnips in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Spokane · Turnips in every city