When to Plant Turnip in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide
Sow August to May. Right now in September you can sow.
Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.
This Turnip guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.
Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth
Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.
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 for Subtropical
| 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
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Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 7–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant
That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.
How to Grow Turnip in Subtropical Australia
When to Plant
Plant February-August. Best from March-May. Quick crop for the autumn-winter garden.
- 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
Subtropical Growing Tips for Turnip
Recommended Varieties
- Purple Top Milan
- Tokyo Cross
- Hakurei
- White Globe
Key Challenges
- Flea beetle damage to seedlings
- Bolting if warm spell occurs
- Caterpillar pressure
Pro Tips
- Fast, easy crop for the SEQ autumn/winter garden
- Sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply
- Harvest at golf-ball size for sweetest flavour
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.
Worth growing?
A 2.4 m × 1.2 m bed fits 46 plants, about $69 worth at today’s Coles prices, checked today.
That is roughly 9 kg at $7.50 a kilo.
Draw your turnip bed → No account needed.
Common Turnip Pests in Subtropical Zones
Organic prevention: Crop rotation. Keep soil moist. Remove brassica crop debris promptly.
Where to next
Supermarket Price
Current average retail: $7.50/kg (12-month range: $7.00–$7.50)
Grow your own and save on grocery bills.
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Open the planting dashboard Join Garden BuddyCommon Questions About Turnip
When do you plant turnip in Australia?
It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:
- Tropical (Cairns): Apr to Jun
- Subtropical (Brisbane): Jan to May, Aug to Dec
- Warm Temperate (Sydney): Jan to May, Aug to Dec
- Cool Temperate (Melbourne): Jan to May, Aug to Dec
- Cold / Highland (Canberra): Jan to Apr, Sep to Dec
- Arid / Semi-Arid (Alice Springs): Feb to Aug
- Mediterranean (Perth): Jan to May, Aug to Dec
Does turnip grow all year round in Brisbane?
No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Jan to May, Aug to Dec. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.
Which zone am I in?
Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.