Welcome to our comprehensive turnip seeds guide! In this article, we will provide you with valuable information on planting turnips, including tips on soil preparation, seed sowing, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. We will also explore different turnip varieties, so you can choose the best ones for your garden. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, we are here to help you grow delicious and nutritious turnips.
Key Takeaways:
- Turnips are root vegetables that belong to the cabbage family.
- They can be grown for both spring and fall harvest.
- Choose a sunny spot with fertile soil for planting turnips.
- Direct sow turnip seeds and thin them for proper growth.
- There are various turnip varieties to choose from, each with its own characteristics.
Where, When & How to Plant Turnips
Turnips require full sun and fertile soil to thrive. Choose a location that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily and amend the soil with compost to improve fertility and moisture retention. The ideal soil pH for turnips is between 6.0 and 7.5.
For optimal growth, it’s important to know when to plant turnip seeds. Direct sow turnip seeds in the garden three weeks before the last frost date for a spring harvest or in late August and September for a fall harvest. Sow one seed per 2 inches in rows that are 18 inches apart. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to one plant every 4 to 6 inches to allow for proper growth.
Turnip seeds can germinate in soil temperatures as cool as 40°F, but the optimal soil temperature is between 60° and 105°F.
| Planting | Season | Spacing | Germination Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Harvest | 3 weeks before last frost date | 1 seed per 2 inches | Cool temperatures (40°F – 60°F) |
| Fall Harvest | Late August – September | 1 seed per 2 inches | Cool to warm temperatures (60°F – 105°F) |
Turnip Varieties
There are several varieties of turnips to choose from, each with its own characteristics and uses. Let’s take a look at some popular turnip varieties:
Alamo: Primarily grown for its greens, Alamo turnips are known for their tender and flavorful leaves. They have a mild and slightly spicy taste.
Amelie: Amelie turnips have a smooth skin with purple tops and white bottoms. They are known for their sweet and earthy flavor. These turnips are great for roasting, sautéing, or making purees.
Hakurei: With a delicate and sweet flavor, Hakurei turnips are often enjoyed raw or lightly cooked. They have crisp white flesh and a small, round shape.
Just Right: Just Right turnips are versatile in the kitchen. They can be harvested at various sizes, offering a range of flavors from mildly spicy when small to sweet and tangy when larger. These turnips are ideal for salads, stir-fries, roasting, or pickling.
Nagasaki Akari Kabu: Originating from Japan, Nagasaki Akari Kabu turnips are known for their tender, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. They have beautiful, globe-shaped roots with creamy white skin.
Purple Top White Globe: As their name suggests, Purple Top White Globe turnips have a purple top and white base. They are a classic variety with a mild flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes, including roasts, soups, and stews.
Royal Crown: Royal Crown turnips are known for their large, purple tops and white, globe-shaped roots. They have a sweet and nutty flavor, making them perfect for roasting or mashing.
Scarlet Queen: Scarlet Queen turnips have vibrant purple tops and white roots. They offer a mild and sweet flavor, making them great for salads or roasting.
These turnip varieties differ in terms of root color, size, flavor, and maturity time. Some are primarily grown for their greens, while others are known for their sweet and crisp roots. When selecting the best turnip variety for your garden, consider your preferences and gardening conditions.
Here is a table summarizing the characteristics of different turnip varieties:
| Turnip Variety | Root Color | Size | Flavor | Maturity Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | White | Medium | Mild and slightly spicy | 40-50 days |
| Amelie | Purple top, white bottom | Medium to large | Sweet and earthy | 50-60 days |
| Hakurei | White | Small | Delicate and sweet | 35-45 days |
| Just Right | White with purple shoulders | Small to medium | Varying from mildly spicy to sweet and tangy | 50-60 days |
| Nagasaki Akari Kabu | White | Small to medium | Tender, sweet, and slightly spicy | 40-50 days |
| Purple Top White Globe | Purple top, white bottom | Medium to large | Mild | 50-60 days |
| Royal Crown | Purple top, white bottom | Large | Sweet and nutty | 55-65 days |
| Scarlet Queen | Purple top, white bottom | Medium | Mild and sweet | 45-55 days |
With this information, you can choose the turnip variety that suits your taste preferences and garden requirements. Whether you’re looking for a turnip variety that shines in salads, roasts, stir-fries, or as a standalone vegetable, there’s a variety out there for everyone.
Watering and Fertilizing Turnips
Turnips require consistent moisture to grow well. Watering turnips deeply and regularly is essential for their healthy development. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week to ensure the optimal growing conditions. However, in sandy or fast-draining soil, you may need to increase the water application to up to 2 inches per week.
To ensure that the soil remains consistently moist without overwatering, consider using a drip irrigation system. This method allows for controlled and targeted watering, providing the necessary moisture directly to the roots of the turnip plants.
In addition to watering, fertilizing turnips is an essential aspect of their growth. Generally, if you have amended the soil with compost before planting, turnips may not require additional fertilization. Compost provides the necessary nutrients for their growth.
If you do feel the need to fertilize, it is best to side-dress the turnip seedlings with a low-nitrogen or balanced fertilizer once they have developed true leaves. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can encourage excessive top growth at the expense of root development.
Here’s a breakdown of watering and fertilizing turnips:
| Activity | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Watering | Water turnips deeply and regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Increase to up to 2 inches per week in sandy or fast-draining soil. Consider using a drip irrigation system for consistent moisture. |
| Fertilizing | If needed, side-dress turnip seedlings with a low-nitrogen or balanced fertilizer once they have developed true leaves. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers. |
Remember that maintaining consistent moisture and providing appropriate nutrients through watering and fertilizing are key to healthy turnip growth.
Turnips, like any other crop, can be vulnerable to a range of pests and diseases. It is important to be aware of these potential threats and take proactive measures to protect your turnip plants. In this section, we will discuss the common turnip pests and diseases and provide tips on managing them effectively.
Common Turnip Pests
The following pests are known to cause damage to turnip plants:
- Aphids
- Cabbage Root Maggots
- Cabbage Worms
- Flea Beetles
- Slugs
These pests can wreak havoc on turnip foliage, roots, and overall plant health. To mitigate their impact, consider implementing the following preventive measures:
- Applying floating row covers: These covers act as a physical barrier, preventing pests from reaching the plants.
- Handpicking pests: Regularly inspect your turnip plants and manually remove any pests you come across.
- Using organic controls: Products like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or insecticidal soap can effectively manage pests without harming beneficial insects.
By adopting these preventive measures and staying vigilant, you can minimize the damage caused by common turnip pests.
Common Turnip Diseases
Turnips are also susceptible to various diseases that can hinder their growth and productivity. The following are some of the common diseases that affect turnips:
- Black Rot
- Downy Mildew
- Powdery Mildew
- Clubroot
To prevent and manage these diseases, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Good sanitation practices: Remove and destroy any diseased plant debris to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- Crop rotation: Avoid planting turnips in the same location year after year to reduce the risk of disease buildup in the soil.
- Choosing disease-resistant varieties: Select turnip varieties that have been specifically bred for resistance against common diseases.
By practicing good sanitation, implementing crop rotation, and selecting disease-resistant varieties, you can minimize the impact of common turnip diseases on your plants.
| Pests | Diseases |
|---|---|
| Aphids | Black Rot |
| Cabbage Root Maggots | Downy Mildew |
| Cabbage Worms | Powdery Mildew |
| Flea Beetles | Clubroot |
| Slugs |
By being proactive in managing turnip pests and diseases, you can ensure the health and vitality of your turnip plants, leading to a successful harvest. Remember to monitor your plants regularly, implement preventive measures, and seek appropriate solutions if problems arise. Healthy turnips not only provide a delicious addition to your meals but are also visually appealing in your garden.
Conclusion
Turnips are versatile and nutritious root vegetables that can be grown in both spring and fall. By following our turnip planting guide, selecting the right turnip seed varieties, providing adequate moisture and fertility, and effectively managing pests and diseases, you can ensure a successful turnip harvest.
Whether you prefer turnip roots or turnip greens, there are plenty of options to choose from to suit your taste and gardening conditions. Experiment with different turnip varieties such as Alamo, Amelie, Hakurei, Just Right, Nagasaki Akari Kabu, Purple Top White Globe, and Royal Crown to discover the flavors and textures that suit your palate.
Remember to water your turnips regularly and mulch to retain moisture. Be aware of common pests like aphids, cabbage root maggots, and diseases such as powdery mildew. Using preventive measures and organic controls like floating row covers, handpicking pests, and employing crop rotation can help manage these challenges.
With our turnip growing tips and techniques, you can embark on a successful turnip growing journey. Enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown turnips and savor the delicious flavors they bring to your table. Get started on your turnip garden today and happy gardening!