Turnips

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Botanical name: Brassica rapa Rapifera Group

Plant type: Vegetable

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Sun exposure: Full Sun

Soil type: Loamy

Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Neutral

Turnips are biennials usually grown as annuals. Although turnips are more of a staple in European kitchens, many southern gardeners like to grow them for their greens. Turnips grow best in a temperate climate but can endure light frost. Different varieties can be used to lengthen the harvesting period.

Planting

• Loosen the soil to a 12-15 inch depth and mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.
• Start sowing as soon as the ground is workable.
• Space early types 9 inches apart, thinning seedlings to 4 inches.
• Space maincrop types 12 inches apart, thinning to 6 inches.
• Do not cover the seeds with more than 1/2 an inch of soil.
• Do not thin if growing for greens only.

Care

• Keep the beds weed free.
• Mulch heavily and water at a rate of 1 inch per week to prevent the roots from becoming tough and bitter.

Pests

• Root Maggots
• Flea Beetles
• Powdery Mildew
• Downy Mildew

Harvest/Storage

• Harvest early types after about 5 weeks; maincrop types after 6-10 weeks.
• Pull turnips before they become woody and before the first frost.
• Store for up to 3 or 4 months in a cool outdoor place covered with straw.

Recommended Varieties

• 'Just Right'
• 'Purple Top White Globe'
• Recommended for the Upper Midwest are 'Green Globe' and 'York Globe'.

Recipes

• Turnip Souffle
• Turnip Soup
• Turnip Creme Brulee

Wit & Wisdom

Turnips like a dry bed but a wet head.