Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
The dual-purpose quick-season brassica with edible roots and nutrient-rich greens—perfect for succession planting to enjoy crisp bulbs and tender leaves throughout cool seasons.
Fennel allelopathy
Ready to add Turnip to your garden? Find high-quality organic seeds to get started.
Find Turnip SeedsTurnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) is a shallow-medium fibrous root plant. The best companions include Basil, Pea.
Avoid planting Fennel near Turnip as they may compete for nutrients or attract similar pests.
Yes! Turnip has a shallow-medium fibrous root system, making it ideal for container gardening.
Turnips (Brassica rapa)
The Ultimate Cool-Season Root Vegetable for Garden Success
QUICK STATS
• Days to Harvest: 40-60 days • Plant Height: 8-12 inches • Spacing: 4-6 inches between plants • Rows: 12-18 inches apart • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade • Water Needs: Consistent moisture, 1-1.5 inches per week • Soil pH: 6.0-6.8COMPREHENSIVE GROWING GUIDE
Turnips: A Versatile and Nutritious Garden Staple
Why Grow Turnips?
Turnips are the unsung heroes of the vegetable garden - quick-growing, nutrient-dense, and incredibly adaptable. These cool-season crops offer gardeners a fast-track to homegrown produce, with both roots and greens providing exceptional culinary versatility.
OPTIMAL PLANTING STRATEGY
Timing is Everything
• Spring Crop: Plant 2-4 weeks before last spring frost • Fall Crop: Sow 6-8 weeks before first autumn frost • Optimal Soil Temperature: 40-75°FAdvanced Planting Techniques:
1. Soil Preparation • Create a loose, well-draining garden bed • Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure • Ensure pH between 6.0-6.8 for optimal nutrient absorption 2. Precision Seeding • Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep • Plant in straight rows or raised beds • Use seed tape for consistent spacing • Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart when 2 inches tallCLIMATE ADAPTABILITY
Turnip Growing Zones:
• Optimal Performance: Zones 3-9 • Cold Tolerance: Light frost resistant • Heat Sensitivity: Avoid sustained temperatures above 75°FRegional Planting Insights:
• Northeast: Early spring and late summer plantings • Southeast: Focus on fall/winter production • Midwest: Excellent spring and fall crop windows • Southwest: Exclusively cool-season growing • Pacific Northwest: Extended growing potentialCOMPREHENSIVE CARE PROTOCOL
Moisture Management:
• Consistent watering critical • 1-1.5 inches of water weekly • Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses • Mulch with 2-3 inches of organic materialNutrition Recommendations:
• Balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5) • Side-dress midseason with compost • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers • Monitor soil nutrients annuallySTRATEGIC COMPANION PLANTING
Symbiotic Plant Partnerships:
Beneficial Companions:
• Peas: Nitrogen fixation improves soil health • Beans: Mutual pest deterrence • Nasturtiums: Attract pollinators, repel underground pests • Dill: Attracts beneficial predatory insects • Mint: Masks turnip scent, deterring flea beetlesIncompatible Plantings:
• Potatoes: Competing root systems • Other brassicas: Increased disease risk • Tomatoes: Nutrient competitionADVANCED PEST MANAGEMENT
Comprehensive Pest Solutions:
1. Flea Beetles • Prevention: Row covers, companion planting • Organic Controls: - Diatomaceous earth - Neem oil spray - Beneficial nematode introduction - Reflective mulch 2. Root Maggots • Cultural Controls: - Crop rotation - Floating row covers - Beneficial nematode application - Soil solarization 3. Clubroot Management • Preventive Strategies: - Maintain optimal soil pH - Use resistant varieties - Implement 4-year crop rotation - Sterilize garden tools 4. Powdery Mildew Defense • Proactive Approaches: - Ensure proper plant spacing - Drip irrigation techniques - Sulfur-based organic fungicides - Remove infected plant materialHARVEST AND STORAGE MASTERY
Harvesting Window:
• 40-60 days after planting • Optimal size: 2-3 inches diameter • Younger turnips offer superior tendernessProfessional Harvesting Technique:
1. Loosen surrounding soil 2. Gently extract roots 3. Brush off excess dirt 4. Trim greens, leaving 1/2 inch stemStorage Optimization:
• Refrigerate in perforated plastic bag • Ideal temperature: 32-40°F • Separate greens before storage • Maximum storage: 2-4 weeksNUTRITIONAL PROFILE
• High vitamin C content • Excellent fiber source • Low-calorie nutrition • Rich in antioxidants • Supports digestive healthPRO GARDENER TIPS
• Succession plant every 2 weeks • Experiment with diverse varieties • Utilize both roots and greens • Monitor soil conditions closelyTurnips represent more than just a vegetable - they're a gardening adventure waiting to be explored. With strategic planning and attentive care, these remarkable roots will transform your garden and kitchen!
⚠️ Note: Some plant information on this site is AI-generated. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying critical growing information with local extension services or horticultural experts before planting.