When to Plant Turnip in Melbourne — Cool Temperate Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Turnips are a fast-growing, cool-season root crop that matures in 6-10 weeks. Both the root and the nutritious leafy tops (turnip greens) are edible. They are easier and faster than swedes, making them a better choice for warmer Australian zones where swedes struggle. An underrated vegetable that deserves a place in every winter garden.
Planting Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | D | D | D | D | — | — | D | D | D | D | D |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 7–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Turnip in Cool Temperate Australia
When to Plant
Plant August-April. Almost year-round in Melbourne. Best from February-April (autumn) and August-October (spring).
- Soil
- Well-drained, fertile loam with good moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay or compacted soil which causes misshapen roots. Prepare with well-rotted compost.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun to light shade
- Spacing
- 12cm apart, 30cm between rows
- Watering
- Consistent, even moisture is critical. Irregular watering produces woody, pithy, bitter roots. Water deeply 2-3 times per week in dry conditions.
Companion plants: Pea, Onion, Garlic, Nasturtium (trap crop for aphids)
Avoid planting near: Other brassicas (shared pests and diseases), Strawberry
Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Turnip
Recommended Varieties
- Purple Top Milan
- White Globe
- Golden Ball
- Gilfeather
- Snowball
Key Challenges
- Clubroot in acidic soils
- Cabbage root fly
- Flea beetle
Pro Tips
- Melbourne suits turnips year-round except mid-winter
- Lime acidic soils before planting to prevent clubroot
- Fast crop - use as fillers between slower-growing vegetables
Harvesting Turnip
When ready: Roots are 5-8cm diameter (golf ball to tennis ball size) for best flavour. Shoulder visible at soil level. Harvest EARLY - turnips become woody, pithy, and bitter if left too long.
How to harvest: Grasp foliage near crown and pull. Water bed beforehand if soil is dry. For larger winter types, loosen soil with a fork first.
Common Turnip Pests in Cool Temperate Zones
Organic prevention: Crop rotation. Keep soil moist. Remove brassica crop debris promptly.
Supermarket Price
Current average retail: $6.77/kg (range: $6.30–$7.00)
Grow your own and save on grocery bills.
Get the Full Interactive Guide
Open the interactive planting dashboard with real-time weather, all pest alerts, and garden tracking.
Join Garden Buddy for premium features: disease management, seed saving, preservation guides,.