Searching...
Plant Search
Search for any plant to learn how to grow it.
Turnip D.E. Curled
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
vegetableTurnip D.E. Curled is a heritage variety prized for its deeply frilled, ornamental leaves and mild, tender white roots with purple shoulders. This dual-purpose brassica produces both attractive edible greens and sweet, delicate roots suitable for raw or cooked preparations. The curled foliage makes it visually striking in gardens while providing excellent nutritional value.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone โThrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in cool-season regions
Sign up to see your zone highlighted.
Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge within 5-10 days, followed by first true leaves. Young plants develop the characteristic curled leaf texture.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Keep soil consistently moist. Protect from damping-off with good air circulation.
Vegetative (Leaf Development)
3-4 weeksDeeply frilled, curled foliage develops rapidly. Plants establish a robust rosette of ornamental leaves while the root begins to swell underground.
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plants are established. Maintain consistent watering and apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Monitor for flea beetles and aphids.
Root Development
3-4 weeksThe white root with purple-red shoulders enlarges beneath the soil surface while leaf curling becomes more pronounced. Plants reach 6-10 inches tall.
Continue consistent watering to prevent root splitting. Mulch around plants to maintain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Avoid excessive nitrogen which encourages foliage over root development.
Maturity
1-2 weeksRoots reach 2-4 inches diameter with smooth skin and contrasting shoulder coloring. Greens are fully curled and tender.
Harvest roots when small to medium for sweetness and tenderness. Roots become woody if left too long in ground. Continue harvesting leaves as needed.
Harvest
Harvest windowRoots are ready to pull, and greens are at peak tenderness and flavor.
Harvest in cool weather for best quality. Roots store well in cool conditions. Use greens immediately or lightly cook for best texture.
Common Pests
-
Row covers during young plant stage; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; remove garden debris
-
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-pick caterpillars; row covers; companion planting with aromatic herbs
-
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
-
Row covers; diatomaceous earth around base; crop rotation; remove infested plants
-
and
Copper barriers; hand-removal; beer traps; encourage ground beetles; mulch management
Uses
Tender greens and mild roots
CulinaryD.E. Curled greens are delicate and sweet when young, excellent raw in salads or lightly sautรฉed. The roots have a mild, slightly sweet flavor ideal for roasting, steaming, or eating raw in thin slices. [source]
Historic heritage variety cooking
CulinaryThis heirloom turnip variety connects modern gardeners to traditional European cuisine, where curled-leaf turnips were valued for both greens and roots in peasant cooking. [source]
Vitamin and mineral content
MedicinalTurnip greens are rich in vitamins C and K, calcium, and glucosinolates (compounds with potential cancer-preventive properties). The roots provide fiber and antioxidants. [source]
Ornamental garden appeal
HouseholdThe deeply frilled, curled foliage is visually striking in vegetable gardens and can enhance aesthetic appeal while providing food. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeIf allowed to flower, turnips produce small, attractive blooms that attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden ecology. [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 tender greens at 30-40 days by removing outer leaves or cutting whole plant; roots are sweetest when 2-4 inches diameter (60-80 days). Pull roots in cool morning for best flavor. Roots can be left in ground in cool climates and harvested throughout fall and early winter. Use greens fresh or lightly cook for best texture; roots store 2-3 months in cool, humid conditions (32-40ยฐF).
Fun Facts
- ๐ฑ Turnip D.E. Curled is a heritage variety popular in European gardens since the 18th century, particularly valued in Scandinavian and German cuisine for its distinctive ornamental appeal.
- ๐ฑ The plant offers a remarkable dual harvestโyou can enjoy both the tender, curled greens and the mild roots from the same plant, making it exceptionally productive for small gardens.
- ๐ฑ The deep curling of the leaves increases surface area for photosynthesis and creates a beautiful rosette form that has made this variety a favorite among ornamental vegetable gardeners.
Want to save this plant and get personalized recommendations?
Sign up to add plants to your list, see your growing zone highlighted, and get planting timelines based on your frost dates.