- Light. Turnips thrive in full sun but can make do with part shade.
- Soil. Turnips prefer a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. Good soil fertility will help them grow quickly.
- Water. At least 1 inch of water per week is vital for good root development. ...
- Temperature and Humidity. Turnips grow best in the cool weather of spring and fall.
- Fertilizer. Since they grow so quickly, you shouldn't need to fertilize your plants. Just make sure the soil has plenty of organic matter in it before you sow the seeds.
Full Answer
Where do Tokyo turnips come from?
They made their way to China and Japan about 1,300 years where the Tokyo turnip developed. The Tokyo turnip has grown in popularity in the west most recently. The botanical name for turnips is Brassica rapa, Rapifera Group.
What are turnips and how to grow them?
Turnips are a cool-weather root vegetable that germinate in only a few days. Become a better gardener! Discover our new Almanac Garden Planner features for 2022. It’s easy, fun, and free to try! Turnips are cool-weather vegetables that can be grown both in spring and fall, avoiding the hot summer months.
How long does it take for turnip seeds to grow?
As with other Brassica plants, the four petals form a cross, which is why they are also referred to as cruciferous vegetables. Turnips are normally planted from seeds either in early spring or in fall, at least 70 days before the first frost. They mature in about two months.
How do you plant a turnip plant?
Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site. Select a site that gets full sun. Soil should be well-draining and loosened to a depth of 12 to 15 inches. In advance, mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or aged manure. Add sand to heavy, clay soil and remove stones to allow the turnip to easily expand belowground.
How do Tokyo Turnips grow?
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How does a turnip grow?
Turnips are seeded directly into the garden; they do not transplant well. Plus, they germinate in only a few days. Within a month, their greens are ready to harvest, and within a second month, the swollen roots are ready to be taken up. Turnips can be eaten raw, baked, boiled, roasted, or mashed.
Will turnips come back every year?
Now Answered. Dill, radishes, arugula, cilantro, broccoli raab, turnips, and any form of mustard will yield mature seeds in time for fall reseeding in most regions if allowed to flower and set seed.
How long does it take turnips to come up?
40 to 55 daysTurnips are ready to harvest 40 to 55 days after planting. If harvesting the leaves, they are ready when they reach 4-6 inches in height. If only harvesting the leaves, cut them from the plant when they reach the desired size, leaving 1 inch of leaves above the crown of the plant. More leaves will grow in their place.
Why are my turnips not forming bulbs?
If they are subjected to drought, especially early in the season, that can interfere with the formation of a globular root. Heavy Soil: Turnips prefer fairly light soil. If your soil is too heavy, dense, or rocky, the root may not develop well.
Do turnips grow above ground?
What are Turnips? Turnips are root crops and members of the mustard family with a long history of human cultivation. Plants have slightly hairy green leaves, small yellow flowers, and white or yellow bulbs, with tops that can turn purple or green when exposed to sunlight as they grow above the soil.
Do turnips spread?
Because of their small size, turnip seed can be shallowly planted and can even be spread into an existing plot with little or no tillage. If broadcast seeded, it is always best to drag and or cultipack after planting to ensure good seed to soil contact and germination.
What month do you plant turnips?
Turnip greens are easy to grow in any well-drained soil. Set out turnip green plants 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring and from late August to October for a fall crop in most areas.
Can you eat turnip leaves?
Turnip greens are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, as are kale and broccoli. They are high in nutrients and low in calories. Both the root and the leaves of the turnip are edible, but turnip greens refer specifically to the stem and leafy green part of the plant.
How long can you leave turnips in the ground?
They do rot after one week, so if you lose track of them after putting them in the ground, those Bells will be wasted and your storage efforts will be for nothing. Like we suggested to do inside the house, you may as well design parts of your island around turnips if you plan on keeping a lot of them.
Can you trim turnip leaves?
Use scissors or garden shears for “cut and come again” harvesting. Cut the leaves off near the ground starting on the outside. New leaflets will come in after a week or two. These will mature to a smaller size than the original batch but you will be able to get another harvest off the plant.
What to plant after turnips?
Squash, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, onions, garlic, lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, cauliflower, and radishes all flourish when planted interspersed with turnips. Turnips are “best buddies” with nitrogen-fixing peas.
How to grow turnip from seed?
Plant seeds directly in the soil, 3-6 inches apart in rows roughly 10-15 inches apart. Picture the root size (like a tennis ball), and make sure they won’t be overcrowded as they grow. Water thoroughly, as the hard little seeds must stay moist to germinate, but they are too small to plant deep in the soil and so risk drying out. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association recommends pre-soaking the furrows where you will be planting if you haven’t had rain. Fortunately, turnip seeds germinate quickly.
What do turnips need to grow?
Soil and Nutrients. Turnips need friable soil with plenty of organic matter to grow their globe-shaped root. Like other root vegetables, it needs good drainage that doesn't leave it sitting in too much water and rotting or getting diseases. Lighter soil will also brush off more easily when you harvest turnips.
What kind of turnips are good raw?
Japanese-style white turnips like Shogoin or Hakurei are smaller, white, tender, and crunchy enough to eat raw. Try them sliced and sautéed in sesame oil. You can also try red-skinned Japanese varietals like Tsugaru Scarlet and Hidabeni; get these from specialized seed companies.
Why do turnips compete with each other?
Because root crops are all seeking similar nutrients, they compete with each other when planted in the same vicinity. It is best to plant turnips with nitrogen-fixing peas, leafy greens, or strong-smelling herbs that keep deer and other nibblers away.
What are turnips associated with?
Turnips have an image problem, having been associated with the Great Depression and poverty fare. But purple-tops, Japanese varieties, and the differently shaped and colored heirloom turnips are harvested when tender-crunchy and can add great flavor and texture to soups, stews, and curries. Turnip greens are also underrated, ...
What color are turnips?
Turnip Varieties. You have a few key varieties to choose from if you're growing turnips. Purple-top turnips have a magenta-purple color at the top of the root, store well, and offer plenty of delicious greens. Japanese-style white turnips like Shogoin or Hakurei are smaller, white, tender, and crunchy enough to eat raw.
How long does it take to drip a 30 inch garden bed?
For instance, a medium flow drip line in a 30 inches wide bed with emitter 8 inches apart will take 5.1 hours spread out over a week, divided into regular applications.
Where did turnips originate?
Turnips, brassica rapa subsp. rapa, originates from Eurasia and has been cultivated for thousands of years. The term “turnip” comes from the roundness of the plant, the curve indicated as turn. Napus is the Latin term for turnip, which was abbreviated and combined into turnip. A savory Scottish dish is called neeps, which is mashed turnips.
What type of soil do turnips like?
Turnips perform best in loose, fertile, and well-drained loamy soil. To increase drainage for clay soils, add sand or perlite. Loosen up the top 12 inches of soil and add a layer of compost. The ideal soil pH is from 6.0-7.0.
How far apart should I plant turnips?
How do I plant turnips? Scatter the turnip seeds and cover lightly with dirt or sow them directly into the soil. Prepare rows that are 12 inches apart, with a slight groove for the seeds that are ½ inch deep. Sow a seed 1 inch apart and cover it with soil. Once plants are 4 inches tall, you can thin the seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart. The thinned turnips can be used for their greens. For raised bed or container gardening, you can sow 9 turnips per square foot.
How much sun do turnips need?
Turnips grow best in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. You can plant turnips in USDA zones 2-9. The ideal temperature for growing ranges from 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to bolting. If you are anticipating a change in weather, you can provide shade to your plants. A light frost for a fall harvest can sweeten your crops, yet deep winter freezes will cause damage. A heavy mulch can protect the roots along with a season-extender technique such as using a row cover.
Why do turnips bolt?
Since turnip plants are biennial, they are expected to flower and seed in their second year of growth. Extreme heat or not enough water can cause a turnip to bolt. Make sure to time your planting for cool weather, such as spring or fall. Provide a shade cover for your turnips if the temperatures begin to rise.
What are the uses of root vegetables?
The greens and roots are used in an assortment of dishes. Young fresh greens can be mixed with salad greens or older leaves can be cooked. Roots can be boiled, roasted, baked, fried…there are many fun recipes to explore! I love to make root roasts, combining any root vegetables I have such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and turnips. Roast them in the oven until every veggie has caramelized into a tender and delicious dish.
What are turnips valued for?
Turnips are valued for their roots and the greens. A cluster of leaves form from a rosette base and can be over 12 inches long. Leaves are thin, light green with wavy or hairy edges. The taproot can range from a creamy white to soft yellow, with the top emerging from the ground as it matures. This is a biennial plant, so in the second year of growth, it will produce small yellow flowers and go to seed.
Do turnips need sun?
Turnips generally require a full sun location but will tolerate partial shade, especially if you plan on harvesting the plant for its greens. Preparing the bed to grow turnip plants in is easy. Just rake and hoe it as usual for planting.
Can you harvest turnips in the winter?
Having a vegetable crop you can actually use throughout the winter is a nice thing when you have a garden. Harvesting turnips can make a great root cellar vegetable for storing along with carrots, rutabagas, and beets. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 06/11/21. Read more about Turnips.
How long does it take for turnips to germinate?
What’s wonderful about turnips is that they germinate in only a few days. Within a month, you can enjoy their bright greens, and within a second month (60 to 90 days), you can eat the swollen roots.
What temperature do turnips need to grow?
Turnips grow best in full sun when temperature s range from 40° to 75°F.
How long does it take to harvest turnips?
Harvest roots at any time; however, small, young turnips are more ender. Harvest early types after about 5 weeks; maincrop types after 6 to 10 weeks. For fall turnips, consider harvesting after one or two light frosts (but before a hard freeze) for a sweeter taste.
How much soil do you need to cover turnip seeds?
You can also scatter turnip seed and cover the seeds with no more than 1/2 an inch of soil.
Why do turnips bolt?
They naturally flower and go to seed (bolt) in the second year. Bolting in the first year could be due to stress, such as caused by extreme temperatures (cold or hot) or lack of nutrients or water.
How long do turnips last in the refrigerator?
Store for up to 3 or 4 months in a cool (32° to 38°F), dark place such as a root cellar or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If storing in the refrigerator, keep turnips in a perforated plastic bag. It’s important that the turnips do not dry out, but also that they do not become moldy from too much moisture.
How long do turnips need to blanch?
To freeze, wash, cut into ½-inch cubes, blanch for 3 minutes, cool immediately in cold water, and drain. Pack into containers, label, and freeze.
History and Cultivation
Once reserved for the rural poor, these root vegetables are now all the rage in Asia and America.
Propagation and Planting
It is easiest to directly sow these seeds in your garden, and then thin as necessary.
Plant Uses
Boiled, roasted, or added to stews, this European variety makes a great addition to any dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turnip seeds are best directly sown in the garden spring through fall, covered with row cover, and kept consistently moist. Turnips don’t need much care aside from weeding (careful not to disturb the roots) and irrigation. A lack of water will ultimately yield bitter, tough turnips.
Final Thoughts
Turnips are a humble root with a long history of enjoyment in cultures around the world. They’re a great way to add diversity to the cool-weather garden, as well as a refreshing early summer snack. The most important thing to remember about growing turnips is that they need consistent moisture to remain tender and tasty.
Turnip - Production trends (total in Japan)
The yield amount of Turnip in Japan is decreasing by 25.3% from 2006 to 2019, and the acreage is decreasing by 21.9%.
Turnip - Cultivation condition
Turnip is well grown under the conditions where the temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius,it is not exposed to hot weather and it is cool climate.
Crops Memo
In Japan, white color turnip is produced the most. Sometimes we see red turnip. Turnip has been eaten from long ago in Japan, and it is inevitable vegetable for Japanese and Japanese traditional dish. It is pronounced as "ka-bu" in Japanese.
How to keep turnips growing?
Water and feeding. Keep the soil moist to keep turnips growing as fast as possible. Do not let the soil dry out. When turnips grow slowly their roots become woody and strong flavored. Side dress turnips with aged compost at midseason.
How long does it take for turnips to grow?
Turnip Planting Time. Turnips are a cool-weather crop that requires 30 to 60 days to come to harvest. Turnips grow best in temperatures from 40°F to 75°F (7-24°C). They are best harvested before temperatures exceed 75°F (24°C) . Sow turnip seeds directly in the garden 2 to 3 weeks before the average last frost date in spring for a late spring or early summer harvest. Sow turnips in late summer for autumn harvest; in early autumn for late autumn harvest, and in late autumn for winter harvest in reverse-season regions.
How long do turnips last in the fridge?
Turnip greens will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Roots will keep for 2 months in the refrigerator or store roots in a cold, moist place for 4 to 5 months, do not refrigerate. Cooked turnips can be frozen for up to 6 months. ‘Gold Ball’ turnip.
How long do turnip greens last in the refrigerator?
Thinned seedlings can be harvested for greens. Storing and Preserving Turnips. Turnip greens will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
How to prepare a turnip garden?
Prepare planting beds in advance by applying garden compost and well-aged manure. Add sand or gypsum to heavy, clay soil or prepare beds by planting green manure and working it into the beds the season before seeding. Turnip Planting Time. Turnips are a cool-weather crop that requires 30 to 60 days to come to harvest.
What causes white blisters on the underside of turnips?
Turnip Diseases. Turnips can be affected by white rust fungus which will cause small white cottony blisters on the upper surface of leaves and a yellow discoloration on the undersides. Control is not necessary.
When do turnips taste best?
Turnips grow and taste best when they come to harvest in cool weather.
How big are Tokyo turnips?
Tokyo turnips are most often harvested at 1 to 3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) in diameter. They will be globe shaped and perhaps slightly flattened. About 8 to 12 of these pearly turnips make a pound. Look for them still attached to fresh greens.
When do turnips grow?
Turnips grow best in the cool times of the year, spring and autumn. You don’t have to harvest Tokyo turnips small. You can let them grow larger and treat them just like other turnips. Turnip originated in northern Europe in about 2000 BC.
What is a Tokyo turnip?
The Tokyo turnip is a diminutive, small radish-sized turnip with a crunchy, juicy bitter- sweet flavor eaten raw. Steamed it is buttery-sweet and delicate. You will find the Tokyo turnip in early spring. You might mistake it for a white radish if you don’t look closely enough. The Tokyo turnip is white through and through.
What is the botanical name for turnips?
The botanical name for turnips is Brassica rapa, Rapifera Group.
How long to cook turnips in a steamer?
Spread the turnips with greens attached on a steamer rack over boiling water, cover and cook until just barely tender, about 3 to 6 minutes depending upon the size of the turnips. (Choose turnips of equal size for even steaming of the bunch.)
Can you steam turnips?
Choose turnips of equal size and wash them thoroughly under running water or soak them until any grit or sand falls away. You don’t need to remove the greens; you can actually use them as a bed for steaming.
Can you use Tokyo turnips in soup?
Flavor partners. Tokyo turnips can also be pickled, roasted, sautéed, or boiled in soups. You can use them as a garnish or serve them alongside poached or grilled whole fish or roasted meat. Served raw Tokyo turnips are good with a vegetable dip or you can throw them into a salad sliced or whole.
