Whilst a biennial, the chilly turnip (Brassica rapa) is cultivated as an annual in early-spring and winter gardens in USDA plant tolerance zones 2 through 11. To get the crunchy roots and delicate leaves, cultivate turnips in the garden or a pot, but you can also produce new turnip greens from kitchen waste or a sprouting top. Follow along with this handy guide for steps on how to grow turnip from a sprouting top.
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How To Grow Turnip From A Sprouting Top
A turnip can become harsh and woody if it is kept in the refrigerator or left in the garden for an extended period. It may grow roots and new leaves even in cold storage.
While the root can be saved by peeling and simmering it, the tender young leaves can also be replanted in a flowerpot and used as greens.
- Cut off the top 2 inches below the growing leaves, lay it aside, and simmer the turnip root. Root crops, such as turnips, will regenerate from the conserved top, according to the University of Nevada Extension.
- Put the cut side of the turnip top in 1 inch of water and set it in complete sunlight. Plant the turnip in a rich, thin potting mix after new roots grow.
- Maintain a damp but not wet environment for the turnip plant. Constantly harvest the fragile fresh leaves; older leaves develop a stronger flavor and can become harsh.
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Pests And Diseases Of Turnip
Although turnips are resilient if left alone, they are a brassica and as such attract a variety of insects and other pests.
Pests
Caterpillars: Many different varieties of leaf-eating caterpillars devour turnip greens and graze on the tops of leaves. Cabbage loopers, beet armyworms, and diamondback moths are some of the most frequent. They may be found eating on the tops of brassica leaves. If necessary, caterpillars can be hand-picked or treated with bT.
Aphids: These oval-shaped bugs are small and soft-bodied, and they prefer to drink sap from deep beneath the leaves. Honeydew, a slimy waste product, attracts mold to plants. Each couple of weeks, spray plants with soapy water, neem oil, or diatomaceous earth.
Cutworms: Cutworms are nocturnal caterpillars that feed on the stems and low-hanging leaves of young plants and dwell in the soil. In a single night, these annoying little worms can ruin a whole row of seedlings.
To shield plants from harm, wrap a paper or cardboard ring around their stems, or add wood ash around the bottom of the plant. Cutworms are attracted to sunflowers, so plant them along the garden’s edge. You’ll keep the worms away while also adding a splash of color to your yard!
Cabbage Maggots: Cabbage maggots can wilt and shrink plants by tunneling through the roots. These microscopic gray worms have flies that deposit their eggs around plants and seedlings in the soil. Cabbage maggots can be deterred by scattering wood ash at the bottom of the plant or planting when the climate is dryer.
Whiteflies: When flying, these small insects are like moths and reside on the undersides of plants. They generate honeydew, similar to aphids, which lures a mold that can obstruct plant photosynthesis. Soapy water or garlic oil might be used to spray the area.
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Diseases
While turnips are prone to a variety of fungal and bacterial illnesses, as well as rot and nutrient deficiencies, problems can be avoided with a little planning ahead of time. To minimize disease spread, rotate crops regularly, grow in nutrient-rich soil, and keep plants from becoming soggy.
White Spot/Leaf Spot: These gray or white spots appear on the leaves and spread quickly, wreaking havoc on crops.
Downy Mildew: This produces white fuzz to grow on the undersides of leaves, as well as root destruction.
Blackleg: This can result in dark blotches on the turnip root flesh, as well as the root system is destroyed. It might also appear as rot on roots that have been kept. Implement frequent crop rotation and eliminate any roots from the soil to prevent blackleg.
Conclusion
I hope you find this article helpful. I would like to hear from you. Let me know if you have any questions about growing turnips from the sprouting tops.
