When to plant Turnips in London

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

Turnip
Turnip · Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

A quick-growing hardy root crop for the UK veg patch. Grow early baby roots and lift at golf-ball size, or sow a later maincrop for autumn. Sow into fine, well-prepared soil and keep the bed evenly moist.

30 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow outdoors June to September, harvest October to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow in summer for larger autumn roots. Give plants more space than earlies.

  1. 01

    Prepare the bed

    13 Jun to 9 Sept

    Work the soil to a fine tilth around 13th June - 9th September. Take out large stones and clods. Do not add fresh manure. It makes roots fork. You want loose, well-prepared soil so roots swell evenly.

  2. 02

    Sow seed

    13 Jun to 9 Sept

    Sow thinly in shallow drills at from 13th June to 9th September. This is one summer sowing, not a run of small batches.

  3. 03

    Protect from pests

    27 Jul to 10 Nov

    Cover the row with fine mesh after sowing and seal the edges. Fine mesh reduces cabbage root fly and flea beetle. Keep it on through 10th November, until the crop is lifted.

    • Check seedlings for slug and snail damage, especially in damp weather.

  4. 04

    Thin seedlings

    10 Aug to 24 Aug

    Once seedlings are large enough to handle, around 10th August - 24th August, thin to apart. Lift the extras gently so you do not disturb the roots you keep.

  5. 05

    Harvest roots

    5 Oct to 10 Nov

    Lift from 5th October, about 10 weeks after sowing, for autumn roots. Tennis-ball size is good for cooking. Keep lifting through 10th November.

    • Fleece in hard weather helps the last roots finish. That is not a storage method.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Turnip.

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Turnip to consider

Oasis

A reliable white globe turnip with crisp flesh and a mild flavour.

Purple Top White Globe

A classic quick-maturing turnip with purple shoulders and white roots.

Snowball

A smooth white turnip that is best picked young for tender roots.

Turnip guides by town

See how Turnip timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.