When to plant turnips in Walla Walla, WA

Plant turnips from seed, directly in the garden in Walla Walla, Mar 20 – May 1. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 13–27.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Walla Walla's typical last spring frost is March 27. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 20.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

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

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Mar 20 – May 1, ½ inch deep, Thin to 4 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Aug 13–27 for a fall harvest.
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 Walla Walla, WA?

Typically March 27. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 22. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Walla Walla Regional Airport.

Is it too late to plant turnips in Walla Walla?

The spring planting window runs through May 1. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 13 to August 27.

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 Walla Walla around the same time

Planting dates for turnips in nearby areas

Pendleton, OR Mar 20 – May 1
The Dalles, OR Mar 20 – May 1
Yakima, WA Mar 27 – May 8
Wenatchee, WA Mar 20 – May 1
Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), WA Mar 20 – May 1
Moses Lake, WA Mar 20 – May 1

Full planting calendar for Walla Walla · Turnips in every city