American Purple Top Rutabaga

Turnips grow best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They prefer full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and regular fertilization can be beneficial. Turnips can be grown in a variety of soil types, but sandy loam or loamy soil with high organic matter content is ideal. Turnips perform best when grown in spring or fall. Roots that mature in cold weather are sweeter and more tender.

Sow seed outdoors as soon as soil can be worked.  Plant seeds 1/4" deep, 1" apart in rows 18-24" apart.  After germination has occurred (5-7 days) thin to one plant every 4-6".  For fall harvest, start seeds approximately two months before the first frost.

Not recommended

Insect Pests

The most common insect pests that affect turnips are flea beetles, root maggots, and aphids. Flea beetles chew small holes in the leaves, while root maggots cause damage to the root system. Aphids suck the sap from the leaves and can stunt growth. Crop rotation and the use of row covers can help prevent infestations, while insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control an outbreak.

Diseases & Other Problems

Turnip is susceptible to a number of diseases, including clubroot, black rot, and powdery mildew, but is generally healthy and easy-to-grow. Rotating crops and practicing proper tillage or clearing the site of debris at the end of the growing season will prevent disease. Additionally, adequate soil drainage and air circulation can help reduce the risk of disease development.

Turnips are typically ready to harvest 30-60 days after planting. Gently pull up the plants by the leaves or use a digging fork to loosen the soil around the roots. Trim off the tops, leaving a short stem to prevent rot. Brush off any excess dirt and store the turnips in a cool, humid place such as a root cellar or refrigerator crisper drawer. Turnips can last up to 4 months in storage.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Turnips are outbreeding plants with a self-incompatibility mechanism that prevents self-pollination. Insects perform the predominant amount of pollination. Turnips belong to the Brassica rapa species and can cross-pollinate with any other members of the species, including Chinese cabbage, mustard, broccoli raab, and pak choi. Isolate by one mile or alternatively cage plants and use introduced pollinators to perform the pollination.

HARVESTING SEED:

After flowering, the seed heads should be left on the plant until they have dried and turned brown. Cut the seed heads and lay flat on a tarp until completely dried. Once the siliques have dried, place stalks in a bag and stomp on them to release the seed. Winnow to separate the seed from the chaff and store seeds in an airtight container.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Turnip seeds remain viable or five years when stored under ideal conditions.