Turnips are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering tasty roots and greens that are both easy to grow and packed with flavor. These humble vegetables have been a staple in kitchens for centuries, and they’re perfect for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re planting in a backyard plot or a small raised bed, turnips thrive with minimal effort, rewarding you with a bountiful harvest. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow turnips, including details about the plant, its varieties, planting tips, care needs, and harvesting. We’ll also share a section on the health benefits of turnips and some extra tips to ensure success. Let’s get started and grow some delicious turnips!
Details About the Turnip Plant
Turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) belong to the Brassicaceae family, which includes other cool-season crops like cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Native to Europe and Asia, turnips have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, valued for their edible roots and leafy greens. The plant grows as a biennial, meaning it completes its life cycle over two years—producing roots and leaves in the first year and flowers and seeds in the second—but most gardeners grow it as an annual, harvesting the roots within a single season.
Turnips form a bulbous root that can be white, purple, or yellow, depending on the variety, with a crisp, mildly sweet flavor when young. The roots typically grow 2-4 inches in diameter, though some varieties can get larger. Above ground, the plant produces a rosette of bright green, slightly hairy leaves that are also edible, with a peppery taste similar to mustard greens. Turnips are cool-season crops, thriving in spring and fall, and they’re a great choice for gardeners looking to fill their plots during cooler months.
Varieties of Turnips
There are many turnip varieties to choose from, each with unique flavors, sizes, and colors. Here are some popular ones for home gardeners:
- Purple Top White Globe: A classic variety with white roots and purple tops, this turnip has a mild, sweet flavor and grows to about 3-4 inches in diameter. It’s great for both roots and greens and matures in 50-55 days.
- Golden Ball: These small, yellow-fleshed turnips are tender and sweet, perfect for roasting or eating raw. They grow to about 3 inches and take 45-50 days to mature.
- Tokyo Cross: A fast-growing, pure white variety that’s small (2-3 inches) and tender, ideal for salads. It’s an All-America Selections winner and matures in just 35 days.
- Hakurei: A Japanese hybrid with smooth, white roots, Hakurei turnips are sweet and crisp, often eaten raw like an apple. They mature in 35-40 days and have tasty greens.
- Shogoin: Grown primarily for its greens, this variety has a smaller root but produces large, tender leaves with a mild flavor. It takes about 40-45 days to mature.
When picking a variety, consider your climate and what you want to eat—roots, greens, or both. Faster-maturing varieties like Tokyo Cross are great for short seasons, while Purple Top White Globe is a reliable all-purpose choice.
What Type of Flower Is This Plant/Tree?
Turnips are not typically grown for their flowers, as gardeners usually harvest them in their first year before they bloom. However, if left in the ground into their second year, turnips will bolt (send up a flower stalk) as part of their biennial life cycle. The flowers are small, yellow, and cross-shaped, typical of the Brassicaceae family, often called mustard flowers. They appear in clusters on tall stalks and eventually produce seeds, which can be saved for planting the next season. While the flowers are pretty and attract pollinators like bees, most gardeners harvest the roots long before this stage, so turnips are primarily valued for their edible roots and greens rather than their blooms.
Time to Grow Turnips
Turnips are quick growers, making them a favorite for gardeners who want fast results. They typically take 30-60 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. For a spring crop, sow seeds 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost—around mid-March to early April in many regions. For a fall crop, plant in late summer, about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost, often in August or early September. Fall turnips tend to be sweeter, as cooler temperatures enhance their flavor.
To plant, sow seeds directly in the garden about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they’re 2 inches tall to give the roots room to grow. Seeds germinate in 5-10 days at soil temperatures between 40°F and 75°F (4°C to 24°C). Turnips don’t transplant well, so avoid starting them indoors. Succession planting—sowing seeds every 2 weeks—ensures a steady harvest throughout the season.
Nutrients Required for Turnips
Turnips grow best in loose, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Before planting, work in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure to add organic matter and improve soil structure. Turnips need these key nutrients to grow strong and produce healthy roots:
- Nitrogen: Supports leafy growth, which is important for the greens. Use a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 mix, at planting time, applying about 1 pound per 100 square feet.
- Phosphorus: Promotes root development, which is crucial for turnips. Add bone meal or a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (like 5-10-5) if your soil test shows a deficiency.
- Potassium: Helps with overall plant health and root quality. Wood ash or a potassium-rich fertilizer can give turnips a boost, especially in sandy soils.
Water consistently, giving turnips about 1 inch of water per week. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—too much water can cause roots to crack or rot. If the soil dries out, the roots may become woody or bitter. Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and keep the soil cool, especially in warmer weather.
Cold or Hot Weather: What Turnips Prefer
Turnips are cool-season crops that thrive in temperatures between 40°F and 75°F (4°C to 24°C). They grow best in spring and fall when the weather is mild, as they can handle light frosts and even improve in flavor after a frost, which makes the roots sweeter. Fall planting is often preferred because cooler temperatures reduce pest pressure and enhance taste. In regions with mild winters, you can grow turnips through winter by using row covers for protection.
Hot weather above 80°F (27°C) stresses turnips, causing them to bolt (flower prematurely) and making the roots tough and bitter. If you’re in a hot climate, plant early in spring or late summer to avoid peak heat, and choose fast-maturing varieties like Tokyo Cross to harvest before temperatures rise. In summer, you can also use shade cloth to protect plants from intense sun. Turnips aren’t suited for tropical climates unless grown in cooler, higher-altitude areas where temperatures stay within their preferred range.
Pests and How to Handle Them
Turnips are relatively easy to grow, but they can attract pests common to the Brassicaceae family. Here’s how to manage the most frequent ones:
- Flea Beetles: These tiny beetles chew small holes in leaves, especially on young plants. Cover seedlings with floating row covers to keep them out, or dust plants with diatomaceous earth to deter them.
- Cabbage Worms: Green caterpillars that eat leaves, cabbage worms can be picked off by hand. Use organic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray if infestations are heavy.
- Root Maggots: These larvae tunnel into turnip roots, causing rot. Prevent them by placing fabric or cardboard collars around the base of plants at soil level, or mix wood ash into the soil to repel egg-laying flies.
- Aphids: Small bugs that suck sap from leaves, aphids can stunt growth. Spray them off with water or use insecticidal soap for larger infestations.
Turnips can also face diseases like clubroot, a fungal disease that deforms roots. To prevent this, rotate crops (don’t plant turnips in the same spot for 3 years), maintain soil pH above 6.0, and avoid overwatering. If you notice yellowing leaves or stunted growth, check for pests or nutrient deficiencies, and act quickly to save your crop.
When and How to Harvest Turnips
Turnips are ready to harvest when the roots are 2-4 inches in diameter, depending on the variety, usually 30-60 days after planting. For small, tender turnips like Hakurei, harvest at 1-2 inches for the best flavor—perfect for eating raw in salads. Larger varieties like Purple Top can be left to grow bigger but shouldn’t exceed 4 inches, as they become woody and less tasty. Check the size by brushing away soil at the top of the root; if it’s the right size, it’s time to pull.
Harvest turnips by gently pulling them from the soil by the base of the leaves, or use a garden fork to loosen the soil if they’re stubborn. For greens, snip leaves when they’re 4-6 inches tall, leaving the root to continue growing. You can harvest greens multiple times, but don’t take more than a third of the leaves at once to keep the plant healthy. Turnips store well—cut off the greens (leaving ½ inch of stem), brush off dirt, and store roots in a cool, humid place like a root cellar or fridge crisper drawer for up to 2 months.
Other Helpful Tips for Growing Turnips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your turnips grow strong and taste great:
- Thin Early: Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to small, misshapen roots. Use the thinnings in salads—they’re delicious!
- Rotate Crops: Avoid planting turnips where other Brassicas (like cabbage or broccoli) grew the previous year to reduce pest and disease buildup.
- Grow Companions: Plant turnips near peas or beans, which add nitrogen to the soil, benefiting turnip growth. Avoid planting near potatoes, as they compete for space and nutrients.
- Extend the Season: In mild climates, use row covers or cold frames to grow turnips into winter. They can survive temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C) with protection.
- Save Seeds: If you let a few turnips bolt in their second year, you can collect seeds from the pods after flowering. Store them in a cool, dry place for planting next season.
Turnips are a versatile crop that’s perfect for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, fast-growing vegetable. With their crisp roots and tasty greens, they’re a treat to grow and eat. By following these tips, you’ll have a successful harvest that adds fresh, homegrown flavor to your meals.
Health Benefits of Growing Turnips
Turnips are not only easy to grow but also offer a range of health benefits, making them a great addition to your diet. The roots are low in calories—about 28 calories per cup—yet packed with nutrients like vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin wellness. A single cup provides nearly 30% of your daily vitamin C needs, helping your body fight off colds and maintain healthy tissues. Turnips also contain fiber, which aids digestion, keeps you full longer, and supports gut health. The greens are even more nutrient-dense, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Turnips are a good source of antioxidants, including glucosinolates, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against certain chronic conditions. The greens also contain folate, important for cell growth and especially beneficial during pregnancy. Eating turnips can support heart health, as their potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and their fiber can lower cholesterol levels. Some gardeners enjoy turnips raw in salads, roasted with olive oil, or boiled in soups, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. The greens can be sautéed with garlic for a nutritious side dish, adding a peppery kick to meals.
Disclaimer: The information provided here about turnips’ health benefits is not medical advice. While turnips are known for their nutritional value, their effects can vary from person to person. If you have health concerns or are considering using turnips for specific health purposes, please consult a doctor or medical professional for proper guidance. Always seek professional advice for health-related decisions to ensure safety and accuracy.
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