How to Grow Turnip 'Scarlet Queen'

Turnip 'Scarlet Queen'

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

vegetable

Scarlet Queen is a vibrant red turnip variety prized for its deep crimson skin, white flesh, and sweet, mild flavor. The roots mature quickly and are excellent both raw and cooked, while the nutritious greens are edible and tender. This heirloom variety combines ornamental appeal with culinary versatility.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times per week depending on rainfall. Inconsistent watering can cause tough, bitter roots and cracking.

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Spacing: 4 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-65 days

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Planting depth: 0.25

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Balanced organic fertilizer Avoid fresh manure which can cause forked roots

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler seasons (spring and fall)

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

7-10 days

Tiny emerged seedlings with cotyledons (seed leaves) and first true leaves appearing within 5-7 days.

Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart when they have 2-3 true leaves. Remove weaker seedlings.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Leafy top growth develops with 5-8 deeply lobed leaves expanding. Root enlargement begins beneath the soil surface.

Water regularly, maintain consistent soil moisture. Side-dress with compost around 3 weeks after planting. Monitor for pests.

Root Expansion

2-3 weeks

Root swells noticeably, pushing partially above soil surface showing brilliant red skin. Greens continue growing.

Maintain steady watering schedule. Avoid nitrogen excess which promotes leafy growth over roots. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Mature Root

1-2 weeks

Roots reach 2-3 inches in diameter with smooth, deep scarlet skin and white interior. Greens are tender and flavorful.

Can be harvested now or left slightly longer for larger roots. Check size by gently uncovering the crown of the root.

Harvest

Harvest window

Roots are crisp, sweet, and at peak flavor. Greens remain tender and nutritious if harvested promptly.

Harvest in the morning when plants are hydrated. Pull entire plant or cut roots below the crown. Store roots in cool, humid conditions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce Spinach Beans Peas Garlic Onions Carrots Beets Thyme Sage

Avoid planting near:

Mustard Cabbage Broccoli Cauliflower Radishes Kohlrabi Other brassicas

Common Pests

Row covers over young plants, neem oil spray, diatomaceous earth, pyrethrin-based insecticides. Remove debris where they overwinter.
Row covers, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), spinosad spray, hand-pick caterpillars, encourage parasitic wasps.
Floating row covers at planting, delayed planting until late spring, diatomaceous earth around base, companion planting with strong herbs.
Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
and
Hand-pick at dawn/dusk, beer traps, copper tape barriers, diatomaceous earth, remove shelter debris.

Uses

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Raw slicing and salads

Culinary

Scarlet Queen's white flesh is crisp, sweet, and mild when raw, perfect for slaws, salads, and crudités. The striking red skin makes beautiful garnishes and presentation. [source]

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Roasting and cooking

Culinary

Roots become tender and slightly sweet when roasted, boiled, or mashed. Works as a potato substitute in traditional dishes and soups. [source]

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Greens harvest

Culinary

Turnip greens are highly nutritious, vitamin-rich leafy greens that can be steamed, sautéed, or added to soups. More tender than many other brassica greens. [source]

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Nutritional wellness

Medicinal

Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants. Turnips support immune function, bone health, and digestive wellness. [source]

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Pollinator and pest habitat

Wildlife

If allowed to bolt and flower, turnips attract bees and beneficial insects. Seed crops support wildlife and create food sources. [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 turnip roots when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter, typically 45-65 days from seeding. Smaller roots are sweeter and more tender. Twist or pull the entire plant, or use a garden fork to carefully loosen soil around the root before pulling. For turnip greens, harvest outer leaves once plants are 4-6 inches tall, leaving the center to continue growing. Harvest greens in the morning. Both roots and greens are best used fresh but store well: roots last 4-5 months in cold storage (32-40°F, high humidity), greens keep 3-5 days refrigerated.

Fun Facts

🌱 Scarlet Queen is an heirloom variety that has been grown for generations; the dramatic red-and-white color combination makes it as ornamental as it is functional in the garden.
🌱 Turnips are part of the Brassica genus alongside cabbage, broccoli, and kale—all descended from wild cabbage through selective breeding over centuries.
🌱 Every part of the turnip plant is edible: the root, greens, flowers, and even seed pods can be harvested and cooked at different stages.

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