When to plant turnips in Winthrop and Twisp, WA

Plant turnips from seed, directly in the garden in Winthrop and Twisp, Apr 3 – May 15. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 21 – Aug 4.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Winthrop and Twisp's typical last spring frost is May 15. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 6 weeks before that.

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

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 3 – May 15, 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 Jul 21 – Aug 4 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 Winthrop and Twisp, WA?

Typically May 15. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 1. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Winthrop.

Is it too late to plant turnips in Winthrop and Twisp?

The spring planting window runs through May 15. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 21 to August 4.

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 Winthrop and Twisp around the same time

Planting dates for turnips in nearby areas

Wenatchee, WA Mar 20 – May 1
Omak and Okanogan, WA Apr 1 – May 13
Chelan, WA Mar 20 – May 1
Leavenworth, WA Apr 1 – May 13
Ellensburg, WA Apr 1 – May 13
Spokane, WA Apr 1 – May 13

Full planting calendar for Winthrop and Twisp · Turnips in every city