Home › Turnip › Grow in Alberta

Can You Grow Turnip in Alberta?

Canada · Canadian Zone 4 · zones 2, 3, 4, 5

Grows well here

Turnips do well here — they prefer cooler weather and actually sweeten after a light frost.

Plant zones

2a–9b

Alberta last frost

early May

Alberta first frost

early October

Days to harvest

45–60 days

When to plant Turnips in Alberta

Direct sow

May 1

Harvest

Jun 15 – Jun 30

Dates are approximate, based on Alberta's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Turnip

Turnips are one of the most cold-hardy root vegetables — they actually improve in flavor after light frosts. Fast-maturing and dual-purpose: eat the roots and the greens.

Direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost or in fall 8 weeks before first frost. Thin to 4-6 inches. Harvest roots at 2-3 inches for best flavor — larger roots turn woody. Frost sweetens them.

Full turnip growing guide →

Gardening in Alberta

Alberta has a dry continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Calgary and Edmonton are Zone 4-5. Intense sunshine compensates for the short season. Chinook winds bring warm spells in winter.