SCIENTIFIC NAME: Brassica rapa

CULTURE: Turnips are tolerant of moderate frost as seedlings in spring, and as mature plants in fall. Turnips prefer a fertile, well-drained soil, with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Sow early spring through late summer in a 5-10cm wide band, seeds 2.5cm apart (35 seeds/30cm.) for small turnips or 5cm apart and half this rate for larger turnips. Sow 7-13mm deep in rows 30-45 apart.

INSECT PESTS: Floating row covers installed at the time of sowing will keep the turnips free of insect pests, including root maggots.

HARVEST: Young, radish-size turnips in about 30 days, full size in 40-50 days. Roots are smoothest when small.

STORAGE: Turnips with greens store at 0C and 95% relative humidity for 10-14 days. Not intended for long-term winter storage.

AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE: For intensive planting of permabeds please refer to J.M. Fortier’s The Market Gardener. Otherwise row 10g/30m 2.5kg./acre at 35 seeds/30cm in rows 45cm apart.

Quick Facts

• Latin Name: Brassica rapa
• Days To Maturity: 50 Days