Turnips have mustard-like leaves
Planting:Turnips grow
best in cool weather and are direct seeded in the garden either in
early spring or in the fall, about 70 days before your first frost date.
Plant seeds about ½ inch deep. When the plants are 3 - 4 inches tall, thin them to 2 - 4 inches apart. You can use the thinned out plants as greens.
Description:
Turnips have mustard-like leaves and their bulbs are generally either
white or yellow. The part of the bulb that protrudes above ground and
is exposed to sunlight will change color to purple or green.
- Leaves: Leaves are light green and slightly hairy. They grow into an elongated oval, with toothed or wavy edges.
- Flowers: The flowers are small and yellow. As with other Brassica plants, the 4 petals form a cross, which is why they are also referred to as cruciferous vegetables.
Exposure:
Full sun to Partial Shade.
USDA Hardiness Zones:
Turnips are biennials grown as an annual crop. They may go to seed in their first year if they were planted early in the spring.
Mature Plant Size:
12 - 18" (h) x 6 - 8" (w)
When to Harvest:
Turnip greens can be harvested any time after they reach 4 inches
tall. If you don't harm the top of the bulb, the greens will continue to
regrow. The bulbs are best when they are small and tender, around 2 - 3
inches in diameter. Older turnips can get tough or pithy. Fall planted
turnips can be left in the ground and harvested into the winter, since
they are no longer actively growing. A layer of mulch will help prevent freezing and the cold weather will sweeten their flavor.
Growing Tips:
Soil: Turnips prefer a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. Good soil fertility will help them grow quickly and make sure the soil is well-draining, so the bulbs don't rot.
Planting:Turnips grow best in cool weather and are direct seeded in the garden either in early spring or in the fall, about 70 days before your first frost date. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep.
When the plants are 3 - 4 inches tall, thin them to 2 - 4 inches apart. You can use the thinned out plants as greens.
For a prolonged harvest, succession plant every 10 - 14 days.
Maintenance:
At least an inch of water per week is vital for good root
development. Turnips need to grow quickly and regular water, along with a
rich soil, will help them do that.
Since they grow so quickly, you shouldn't need to fertilize your plants. Just make sure the soil has plenty of organic matter in it, before you plant.
Pests & Problems:
Diseases: Turnips are prone to all the usual
problems associated with growing Brassicas, including: anthracnose,
clubroot, leaf spot, scab, turnip mosaic virus, rhizoctonia rot, root
knot and white rust. The best way to prevent these diseases is to avoid
planting any Brassica in the same spot for more than 2 years in a row.
For clubroot, waiting 6 years to grow Brassicas in the same area is
recommended.
Insects: Insect pests include: Turnip aphids and flea beetles, which damage the greens. Row covers can be used to keep them off the leaves. Root maggots and wireworms cause more of a problem because they damage the bulbs.
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