How to Grow Milan Purple Top Turnip
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Milan Purple Top Turnip
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
vegetableMilan Purple Top is a classic heirloom turnip variety known for its distinctive purple-red crown and white root. It produces both tender greens and nutritious roots, making it a dual-purpose crop. This cool-season vegetable is prized for its sweet flavor and smooth, attractive appearance.
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Example Milan Purple Top Turnip timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Milan Purple Top Turnip
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Milan Purple Top Turnip
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Milan Purple Top Turnip dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons in zones 8-9
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 5-10 days, producing cotyledons and small true leaves. Seedlings are delicate and low-growing.
Thin seedlings when 2-3 inches tall to reach final spacing. Keep soil consistently moist. Protect from slugs and flea beetles.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksLeaves develop rapidly and form a leafy rosette. Root begins to swell underground, though still small. Purple-red coloring starts to appear on the crown.
Maintain consistent watering and fertilize with balanced NPK if growth seems slow. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pest damage.
Root Development
2-3 weeksRoots expand significantly beneath soil surface. Purple coloring deepens on the exposed crown. Leaves continue growing but growth rate slows. Root diameter reaches 2-3 inches.
Continue consistent watering—this is critical for smooth, tender roots. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer which encourages excessive leaf growth at expense of roots. Thin any overcrowded plants.
Maturity & Harvest Ready
Variable; harvest window extends 2-4+ weeksRoots reach 2-4 inches in diameter with fully developed purple-red crown and white lower root. Leaves are fully formed and may be slightly tattered. Greens are tender and flavorful.
Roots are ready to harvest but can stay in ground for several more weeks in cool weather. For extended harvest, stagger plantings every 2 weeks. Greens can be harvested at any time.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers early; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); deploy row covers; use pheromone traps
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Remove debris and weeds; use copper barriers; beer traps; handpick at dusk; apply iron phosphate slug bait
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Use row covers; deploy yellow sticky traps; encourage beneficial insects; avoid overhead watering
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Maintain soil pH 7.0 or higher; practice crop rotation; avoid planting other brassicas in infected soil for 5+ years
Uses
Roasted and Mashed Roots
CulinaryMilan Purple Top roots have a mild, sweet flavor and smooth texture ideal for roasting, steaming, boiling, and mashing. The purple crown and white flesh create an attractive presentation. [source]
Fresh Greens & Salads
CulinaryYoung turnip greens are tender and slightly peppery, excellent raw in salads or sautéed like spinach. Rich in vitamins K, A, and C, and minerals including calcium and iron. [source]
Vitamin & Mineral Support
MedicinalTurnip roots and greens are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and glucosinolates—compounds studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive properties. [source]
Root Vegetable Storage & Preservation
HouseholdMilan Purple Top stores exceptionally well in root cellars or refrigeration, making it ideal for winter storage and preservation through canning, pickling, or freezing. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeMature turnips allowed to bolt produce small yellow flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects; greens and seed pods support diverse garden wildlife. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest roots when 2-4 inches in diameter—young roots are more tender and flavorful than large ones. Pull gently or use a garden fork to loosen soil first. Harvest greens anytime for tender, mild cooking greens; can be harvested before roots are ready. Best flavor after light frost, which increases sugar content. Store roots in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for up to 4-5 months. Remove greens before storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Milan Purple Top is an heirloom variety dating back to the 1880s-1890s, originating in Milan, Italy, and prized by gardeners for its dual-purpose harvest and distinctive appearance.
- 🌱 The purple coloring on turnip crowns is caused by anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds that make blueberries and red cabbage blue and purple—they increase in color when exposed to sunlight.
- 🌱 Turnips can be grown as a fall and spring crop, and cold exposure actually improves flavor by converting starches to sugars; many gardeners prefer fall-harvested turnips for superior taste.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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