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EmailBotanical 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
Wit & Wisdom
Turnips like a dry bed but a wet head.
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Comments
soft turnips
- reply
By Linda Pippin
what causes turnips to get soft only after aday. I am experimenting for a fall harvest to place in root cellar. they are great tasting, sweet, but in a day after I place a few on my outdoor table they got soft. I did not cut off greens could that be the problem?
Yes, you should remove the
- reply
By Almanac Staff
Yes, you should remove the turnips greens. Turnips should not be left out at room temperature as this will cause them to wilt and become limp. Like any root vegetable, they require a cool, dark, dry environment for storage.
Good luck!
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