Nutritious, dual-purpose, cool-season crop.

Turnips are a versatile, nutrient-rich root vegetable that thrive in cool weather, making them ideal for spring and fall gardens. They are a great source of vitamins C, K, and fiber. Both the roots and greens are edible, providing a dual-purpose crop. Turnips are easy to grow, maturing in just 30-60 days. To harvest, wait until the roots are about 2-3 inches in diameter. Gently pull them from the soil, being careful not to damage the roots. Harvest the greens by cutting them just above the root. Turnips can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or added to soups and stews.

Top Producing Varieties

• Purple Top White Globe: This classic variety produces round roots with a white flesh and purple top. It matures in about 50-55 days and is great for stews and braises.
• Scarlet Queen: Known for its bright red skin and sweet, crispy flavor, this variety matures in about 40-45 days and is perfect for salads.
• Baby Bunch: Small turnips that grow up to 1-2 inches in diameter, with a mix of white, purple, gold, and pink tops. They have a tart apple and radish flavor and mature quickly.
• White Lady: A hybrid variety with mild flavor, pure white skin, and flesh. It matures in about 30-35 days and has tender greens that are also edible.
• Gold Ball: This variety has golden-yellow flesh and skin with a mildly sweet, almond-like flavor. It matures in about 40-45 days and is great for soups and stews.
• Manchester Market: Produces globe-shaped roots with a creamy white color and light green top. It matures in about 50-55 days and is perfect for stews.
• Tokyo Cross: An award-winning hybrid variety that matures in about 30-35 days. It produces white globe turnips with mild, sweet, and crispy flesh.

Soil Preparation

1. Choose the Right Location: Turnips prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
2. Soil Testing: Ensure the soil’s pH level is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
3. Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility, drainage, and structure.
4. Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to break up any compacted soil to a depth of about 8-12 inches. Turnips need loose soil to develop properly.
5. Remove Debris: Clear any rocks, sticks, or other debris that may obstruct root growth.

Planting Turnips

1. Timing: Plant turnips in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Turnips prefer cool weather.
2. Sowing Seeds: Sow seeds directly in the garden, about 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.
3. Row Spacing: Space rows about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Turnips need regular watering to develop tender roots.
5. Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Harvesting: Turnips mature in 30-60 days. Harvest when roots are about 2-3 inches in diameter. Cut the greens just above the root, which can also be eaten.

Cooking With Turnips