How to Grow Purple Top White Globe Turnip
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Purple Top White Globe Turnip
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
vegetablePurple Top White Globe is a classic dual-purpose turnip variety prized for both its tender roots and nutritious greens. The roots feature a distinctive white body with purple shoulders and mature quickly, typically ready to harvest in 45-60 days. Both the bulbous roots and leafy tops are edible and commonly used in cooking.
When should you plant Purple Top White Globe Turnip in your zone?
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Example Purple Top White Globe Turnip timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple Top White Globe 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 Purple Top White Globe Turnip
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Top White Globe Turnip dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; best in cooler climates of zones 3-7
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Get my Purple Top White Globe Turnip timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysTiny cotyledons emerge with first true leaves appearing within 7-10 days. Plants are delicate and require consistent moisture.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide 12-14 hours of light daily if indoors. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when first true leaves appear to reduce competition.
Vegetative Growth
15-20 daysFoliage expands rapidly with multiple deeply lobed leaves developing. Root begins to swell slightly underground. Plants become more robust and can tolerate minor stress.
Maintain consistent watering and begin harvesting outer leaves for greens if desired. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Thin to final spacing if not yet done.
Root Development
15-25 daysRoot bulb enlarges noticeably underground while foliage continues to grow. Purple coloration begins appearing on the shoulder of the root above soil line.
Keep soil consistently moist to ensure smooth, tender roots. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen which promotes excessive leafy growth over root development. Mulch around base to maintain soil moisture and prevent root exposure.
Harvest Readiness
2-5 days window for optimal harvestingRoots reach 2-3 inches in diameter with distinct purple-topped, white-bottomed appearance. Foliage is lush and full. Roots are tender with smooth skin.
Check root size by gently uncovering soil around the base. Harvest roots before they exceed 3-4 inches in diameter to maintain tenderness. Harvest greens continuously as needed, leaving center leaves for continued growth.
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers on young plants, apply neem oil, dust with diatomaceous earth, or plant early in season to avoid peak populations
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Deploy Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), use row covers, hand-pick caterpillars, or apply spinosad
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Use protective collars around transplant bases, apply beneficial nematodes to soil, or use row covers to prevent adult fly egg-laying
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, use neem oil, or encourage ladybug populations
Uses
Roasting and Cooking Roots
CulinaryThe tender white roots have a mild, sweet flavor when roasted, mashed, or added to stews and soups. They can be enjoyed raw when young or prepared like potatoes in most recipes. [source]
Nutritious Turnip Greens
CulinaryThe leafy tops are packed with calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K, and can be cooked like collards or kale, or used fresh in salads when young and tender. [source]
Vitamin and Mineral Content
MedicinalBoth roots and greens contain glucosinolates and sulfur compounds that are studied for potential anti-cancer and detoxification properties, plus high levels of antioxidants. [source]
Storage Crop
HouseholdPurple Top White Globe is an excellent storage turnip that keeps for months in root cellar or cool storage conditions, making it valuable for food preservation and winter eating. [source]
Livestock and Animal Feed
WildlifeThe roots and tops have historically been grown as nutritious livestock feed, particularly for cattle, sheep, and poultry, providing energy and nutrients through winter months. [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 best tenderness (typically 45-60 days after planting). Gently pull or dig roots, being careful not to damage them. Greens can be harvested at any size; younger leaves are more tender. Twist off greens before storage to prevent moisture loss from the root. Store roots in cool, humid conditions (32-40°F) for up to 4-5 months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Top White Globe became a commercial standard in the 19th century and remains one of the most recognizable and widely grown turnip varieties worldwide.
- 🌱 This variety is extremely cold-hardy and actually becomes sweeter after a frost, as the plant converts starches to sugars as a natural antifreeze mechanism.
- 🌱 The distinctive bicolor appearance—white bottom, purple top—is a genetic trait that intensifies when the shoulder of the root is exposed to sunlight during growth.
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