How to Grow Turnip 'D.E. Curled'
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Turnip 'D.E. Curled'
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
vegetableD.E. Curled is a distinctive turnip variety featuring deeply frilly, ornamental foliage combined with white roots tinged purple at the shoulders. This dual-purpose brassica is valued both for its tender greens and tender root vegetables, making it ideal for small-space and kitchen gardens.
When should you plant Turnip 'D.E. Curled' in your zone?
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Example Turnip 'D.E. Curled' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Turnip 'D.E. Curled'
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 'D.E. Curled'
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cool-season growing
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Get my Turnip 'D.E. Curled' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge within 5-10 days, followed by the first true leaves which show early signs of the distinctive curled foliage pattern
Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 true leaves appear; keep soil consistently moist; protect from slugs and flea beetles with row covers
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksDeep, ruffled curled leaves develop on petioles; root swelling begins underground; foliage becomes increasingly ornamental and harvestable
Continue consistent watering; side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer at 3-4 weeks to promote leafy growth; monitor for cabbage aphids and other brassica pests
Root Development
2-3 weeksRoots swell noticeably, developing the characteristic white flesh with purple shoulder coloring; roots may become partially exposed at soil surface
Hill soil around shoulders to protect from sunscald and maintain moisture; reduce nitrogen to encourage root quality over excessive leaf production; maintain steady watering
Harvest-Ready
Ongoing, 2-4 weeksRoots reach 2-3 inches in diameter with full color development; greens are tender and at peak curled texture; plant signals maturity through slower growth
Harvest regularly to encourage continued leaf production; harvest roots when small to medium size for best tenderness; cold weather improves flavor
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on young plants; neem oil or spinosad sprays; trap crops; encourage beneficial insects
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; ladybug recruitment
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Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; hand-pick larvae; row covers; spinosad
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Floating row covers until flowering; diatomaceous earth around base; crop rotation; remove crop debris
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Ensure good drainage; rotate crops on 4-year cycle; avoid planting brassicas in infected soil; remove infected plants
Uses
Tender Greens & Roots
CulinaryThe curled foliage has a mild, slightly sweet flavor excellent raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Roots can be roasted, steamed, or added to soups—young, tender roots are best for eating fresh. [source]
Root Vegetable Preparation
CulinaryYoung D.E. Curled roots work beautifully in French cuisine (navets), Asian stir-fries, or braised dishes. Their small to medium size and tender flesh make them ideal for whole roasting or quick-cooking methods. [source]
Glucosinolates & Cancer Prevention
MedicinalTurnip greens are rich in glucosinolates, compounds that research suggests may have anti-cancer properties. These compounds are particularly concentrated in the curled green portions. [source]
Ornamental Kitchen Garden
HouseholdThe deeply curled, lacy foliage of D.E. Curled makes it as visually striking as purely ornamental greens, allowing it to serve dual duty in decorative edible landscapes and container gardens. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeIf allowed to bolt and flower, D.E. Curled produces small yellow brassica flowers that attract pollinators. The plant also provides habitat for beneficial insects when intercropped with companion plants. [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 as needed by removing outer curled leaves when 4-6 inches long, allowing inner leaves to continue growing; harvest roots when 2-3 inches in diameter for tender texture—pull gently or loosen with a garden fork. Best flavor occurs after light frost; harvest before roots exceed 4 inches or become woody. Peak season is spring and fall in cool climates; in warm zones, grow as winter crop.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'D.E.' in D.E. Curled stands for 'Deep Edged,' referring to the extremely frilly, deeply lobed foliage that looks almost like parsley or kale rather than a traditional smooth-leafed turnip.
- 🌱 Turnips have been cultivated for over 2,000 years and were a staple crop in medieval Europe, but the curled foliage varieties are a more recent development, prized by modern gardeners for their ornamental appeal.
- 🌱 All parts of D.E. Curled are edible—both the tender greens and the roots—making it one of the most efficient vegetables for space-conscious gardeners seeking dual harvests from a single planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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