How to Grow Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe'
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Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe'
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
vegetablePurple Top White Globe is a classic heirloom turnip variety featuring a distinctive bicolor root with a purple crown and white base. This cool-season brassica produces both edible roots and nutritious greens, making it a dual-purpose crop. It's prized for its tender texture, mild flavor, and reliable performance in home gardens.
When should you plant Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe' in your zone?
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Example Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe'
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 Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe'
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; best performance in cool seasons (spring and fall)
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Get my Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTiny cotyledons emerge; first true leaves are round and slightly fuzzy with a waxy coating. Plants are delicate and vulnerable to pests.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide protection from wind. Monitor for flea beetles.
Vegetative Growth
21-35 daysLeafy rosette develops with lobed, slightly hairy leaves reaching 6-12 inches tall. Root begins to swell underground but remains immature.
Thin to final spacing (4 inches apart) to reduce competition. Water deeply and regularly. Remove any damaged leaves. Begin harvesting tender greens if desired.
Root Development
21-28 daysPurple-topped globe root becomes visible at soil surface; white base enlarges. Roots reach 2-3 inches diameter. Greens continue to grow but slow as energy is redirected to root expansion.
Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures. Mulch around plants to keep roots cool and prevent sunscald. Stop harvesting leaves heavily; allow plant to focus on root growth.
Maturation
14-21 daysRoot reaches full size (3-4 inches diameter) with distinct purple crown and pure white bottom. Skin becomes smooth and firm. Root shoulders push slightly above soil surface.
Continue even watering to prevent root cracking. Mulch soil around exposed root tops to prevent greening from sun exposure. Stop fertilizing to avoid excessive nitrogen.
Harvest Ready
At harvest readiness; can leave in ground in cool climates for extended harvestRoot is fully mature, firm, and size-appropriate for harvest. Purple color is deep and well-defined. Greens may yellow slightly as plant begins senescence.
Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches diameter for best tenderness; can wait until 4 inches for larger harvests. Pull gently or use garden fork to loosen soil first. Store properly for extended use.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers over young plants; neem oil spray; diatomaceous earth; attract parasitic wasps with alyssum and yarrow
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Row covers; root collar barriers using paper cups; encourage beneficial parasitoid flies; crop rotation away from brassicas
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Improve soil drainage; raise soil pH to 7.2+; avoid planting brassicas in infested soil; use resistant varieties if available
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Remove affected foliage; spinosad spray; encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Roasted & Mashed Root Vegetable
CulinaryThe tender, mildly sweet roots can be roasted, mashed, boiled, or steamed. Young tender roots are excellent raw in salads. The greens are nutritious when cooked like collards or added to stir-fries. [source]
Traditional Regional Cuisines
CulinaryTurnips are staple vegetables in Scottish, Irish, and Northern European cooking, used in stews, soups, and as a side dish. Purple Top White Globe is prized for its mild flavor and appealing appearance. [source]
Vitamin C & Antioxidant Source
MedicinalTurnip roots and greens are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and glucosinolates (compounds with potential anti-cancer properties). Both root and greens support immune function and overall health. [source]
Long-Term Cold Storage Crop
HouseholdPurple Top White Globe stores exceptionally well in root cellars or cold storage (32-40°F), making it valuable for winter food security and season extension gardening. [source]
Wildlife and Pollinator Support
WildlifeAllowing turnips to bolt produces attractive yellow flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The foliage provides food for certain caterpillar species. [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 flavor; they become woody if left too large. Gently pull or use a garden fork to lift roots from loosened soil. Harvest greens anytime they're 3-4 inches long, picking outer leaves first. In fall plantings in cool climates, turnips can be left in ground and harvested through winter with mulch protection. Store roots in cool (32-40°F), humid conditions for up to 4 months; trim greens to 1 inch before storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Top White Globe was developed in the 1880s and remains one of the most widely grown and recognizable turnip varieties worldwide over 140 years later.
- 🌱 The bicolor root pattern develops because of anthocyanin pigments in the purple crown; the white base never receives direct sunlight, preventing pigment formation in those cells.
- 🌱 Turnip greens are actually more nutrient-dense than the roots themselves, containing higher levels of vitamins A, C, and K, making them a highly valuable dual-harvest crop.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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