How to Grow Turnip

Turnip

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

vegetable

Turnips are cool-season root vegetables with white or purple-skinned bulbous roots and edible leafy greens. They are fast-growing, nutritious crops that thrive in cooler climates and provide both roots and greens for harvest. Known for their slightly sweet, crisp flesh when young and tender tops that rival spinach in nutrition.

Looking for a specific variety?

Tokyo Cross Hakurei Purple Top White Globe Seven Top Scarlet Queen D.E. Curled

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture of 1-1.5 inches per week; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root cracking and bitterness

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Spacing: 4-6 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-75

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure peat moss or coconut coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cool-season conditions in spring and fall

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge with first true leaves appearing within 7-10 days; seedlings are delicate and thin-legged.

Keep soil consistently moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall; provide bright light; protect from cold drafts

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Rapid leaf development with characteristic lobed, slightly hairy turnip foliage; roots begin swelling beneath soil surface; plants establish robust root systems.

Maintain consistent moisture and fertility; thin to final spacing; monitor for pest damage; apply mulch to retain moisture and cool roots

Root Development

2-3 weeks

Root bulbs expand noticeably and become visible at soil surface; greens continue growing; roots transition from white to purple/pink shoulders in some varieties.

Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent root splitting; continue consistent watering; avoid soil crusting; remove any soil covering the top of roots

Maturity

1-2 weeks

Roots reach 2-3 inches diameter with smooth, firm texture; greens are full and vibrant; roots develop characteristic flavor

Monitor for root rot; harvest on time to prevent woodiness; continue harvesting greens from the outside

Harvest

Harvest window

Roots are fully developed and tender; greens are abundant and ideal for harvest; plant is ready for pulling or storing

Harvest greens by pinching outer leaves; pull roots carefully when soil is moist; store roots in cool conditions; use greens fresh or dried

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

peas beans lettuce spinach chard garlic onions borage

Avoid planting near:

cabbage broccoli cauliflower kale fennel mustard

Common Pests

Use row covers, diatomaceous earth, spinosad spray; plant resistant varieties; encourage beneficial insects
Use row covers; destroy infested roots; practice crop rotation; apply beneficial nematodes to soil
Hand-pick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); row covers; encourage parasitic wasps
Spray with water; insecticidal soap; neem oil; introduce ladybugs and lacewings
Improve air circulation; remove infected leaves; sulfur dust or neem oil spray; avoid overhead watering

Uses

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Root vegetable cooking

Culinary

Young turnips are roasted, steamed, mashed, or served raw in slaws. The tender roots have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works in curries, stews, and as a potato substitute. [source]

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Turnip greens

Culinary

Leafy tops are eaten like spinach or kale—sautéed, wilted into soups, or used raw in salads. Greens are highly nutritious with more calcium and vitamins than the roots. [source]

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Nutritional supplement

Medicinal

Turnips are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Both roots and greens contain glucosinolates, compounds studied for potential anti-cancer properties. [source]

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Root storage crop

Household

Turnips are traditional winter storage vegetables that keep for months in cool conditions, providing nutrition through colder seasons when fresh produce is scarce. [source]

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Beneficial crop

Wildlife

Turnip flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects; the crop helps break pest cycles when rotated into brassica-heavy gardens. [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 greens anytime after plants are 4 inches tall by pinching outer leaves; harvest roots when 2-3 inches in diameter (30-50 days) for tender, mild flavor; larger roots become woody and bitter; pull roots from moist soil by grasping at the crown and pulling gently; store roots in a cool, humid location (32-40°F) for 4-5 months; both roots and greens are best used fresh but can be preserved by freezing, pickling, or drying

Fun Facts

🌱 Turnips have been cultivated for over 2,000 years and were a staple crop in ancient Rome and China before potatoes arrived in Europe.
🌱 In Scotland and Ireland, 'neeps' (turnips) are traditionally served with haggis on Burns Night and are carved into lanterns much like pumpkins.
🌱 Turnip greens contain more nutrients per calorie than the roots themselves, making them a nutritional powerhouse often overlooked by home gardeners.

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