How to Grow Purple Top Golden Ball
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Purple Top Golden Ball
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
vegetablePurple Top Golden Ball is a dual-purpose turnip variety that produces both tender edible roots and nutritious greens. The roots are golden-yellow with a purple crown, offering a mild, sweet flavor when harvested young. This heirloom variety is cold-hardy and excellent for fall and spring gardens.
When should you plant Purple Top Golden Ball in your zone?
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Example Purple Top Golden Ball timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple Top Golden Ball
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 Purple Top Golden Ball
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Top Golden Ball dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cool seasons for best flavor
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSeed germinates in 5-10 days; first true leaves appear as heart-shaped cotyledons.
Keep soil moist, maintain 60-70°F. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear.
Vegetative (Leaf Growth)
3-4 weeksFeathery foliage develops; green tops grow 8-12 inches tall while roots establish underground.
Harvest tender greens as needed for salads and cooking. Thin to final spacing of 4 inches. Water consistently and apply mulch.
Root Development
3-4 weeksGolden-yellow roots swell beneath soil surface while purple crown becomes more pronounced; roots 2-3 inches diameter.
Maintain consistent moisture. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Keep area weed-free.
Maturity
2-3 weeksRoots reach 2.5-4 inches diameter with characteristic purple-and-gold coloring; skin becomes smooth and firm.
Harvest when tender and mild (smaller roots are sweeter). Overmature roots become woody and bitter. Can overwinter in ground in cold zones.
Harvest & Storage
Ongoing or continuousRoots pull free from soil; can be cleaned and stored; greens remain harvestable until frost.
Harvest roots before hard freezes if storing. Store in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions. Greens best used fresh.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on seedlings; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); maintain row covers; encourage native parasitic wasps
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Use floating row covers from planting to 4 weeks; apply parasitic nematodes to soil; crop rotation
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Spray strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs and lacewings
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Ensure good air circulation; spray sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; avoid overhead watering
Uses
Root Vegetables
CulinaryGolden-yellow roots are sweet and tender when young, excellent roasted, steamed, mashed, or cubed in stews. The purple crown provides visual appeal in dishes. Best harvested at 2-3 inches diameter before becoming woody. [source]
Leafy Greens
CulinaryTender, mild greens rich in vitamins A, C, K, and calcium; excellent in salads when very young or cooked like spinach when mature. Similar flavor to mustard greens but milder and slightly sweeter. [source]
Nutritional Health
MedicinalHigh in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants; supports immune function and digestive health. Contains glucosinolates with potential anti-cancer properties, as found in all cruciferous vegetables. [source]
Root Storage & Preservation
HouseholdRoots store exceptionally well in cool cellars or refrigerators for 2-3 months, making them valuable for winter food security. Can be pickled, frozen, or preserved through canning. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf left to bolt and flower, Purple Top Golden Ball produces bright yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Beneficial insects also use the foliage for shelter. [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 2-3 inches in diameter for peak tenderness and mild flavor; pull in the morning when crisp. Twist off greens before storage to prevent root moisture loss. Greens can be harvested continuously by removing outer leaves starting 3 weeks after planting. For best storage, harvest before heavy frost (though light frosts improve sweetness). Roots store 2-3 months in cool, humid conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Top Golden Ball is an heirloom variety dating back to the 1800s, prized for being a true dual-purpose crop—farmers grew it to harvest both roots and greens to maximize yield per square foot of garden.
- 🌱 The distinctive purple crown develops due to anthocyanin pigments that increase when roots are exposed to light and cool temperatures, making the color intensity an indicator of flavor development.
- 🌱 This turnip variety becomes sweeter after light frost exposure because the plant converts starches to sugars as a natural antifreeze mechanism, making fall-harvested roots especially delicious.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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