Turnips are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in the spring and fall to escape the heat of the summer. Both the greens and the roots mature quickly, and you can eat them both. Take a look at this 3,000-year-old root vegetable!
Autumn crops are tastier and more delicate than spring crops, and pests are less of a nuisance. Turnips germinate in just a few days, which is fantastic. You can consume the vibrant greens after a month, and the enlarged roots after another month (60 to 90 days).
Raw, baked, boiled, roasted, or mashed turnips are all tasty options. Turnips are similar to carrots in terms of preparation. Alternatively, turnips can be used as a potato substitute; we like turnip gratin.
When To Plant Turnips
- Plant turnip seeds approximately 2 to 3 weeks before the typical last spring winter date for a late spring yield.
- Plant turnips in late summer for an autumn harvest. Plant once onions, squash, beans, or sweet corn have been harvested in the summer.
- You can also plant seeds in the early autumn for a harvest in the late autumn.
Preparing The Location
- Loose soil is essential for growing large turnips. If the soil has a great deal of clay, put in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or old manure, as well as some sand, ahead of time to enhance drainage.
- When temperatures vary from 40° to 75°F, turnips thrive in sunny areas.
How To Grow Turnip From Seeds
Mix a low-nitrogen organic fertilizer (such as a 5-5-5) into the soil approximately 12 inches before planting. If you use too much nitrogen, you’ll end up with leafy greens instead of a huge root. Any high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro, should be avoided.
Turnips are planted straight in the garden since they are difficult to transplant. In rows 12 to 18 inches apart, sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
Turnip seeds can also be strewn and covered with little more than 1/2 inch of soil. Thin seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart after they reach a height of 4 inches. Small or deformed roots can develop from overcrowding. They won’t grow if you get them any nearer than 4 inches apart.
Maintain the beds free of weeds, but be cautious not to disrupt the young turnips’ roots. Mulch extensively to keep moisture in the soil and keep weeds at bay.
Turnips don’t require much attention, but they do require continuous soil moisture. Constantly water to keep the soil mildly moist; 1 inch of water per week should protect the roots from growing hard and sour.
Read also: How To Grow Turnip Greens
Don’t Bolt The Turnips
Even though we regard turnips as annuals, they are hardy biennials. In the second year, they spontaneously blossom and go to seed (bolt). Bolting in the first year can be induced by duress, such as severe temperatures (cold or hot), food deficiency, or a shortage of water.
Little or no root growth, a root that develops beyond the ground, or simply greens are all possible outcomes of such stressors. To prevent bolting, harvest turnips before the temperatures reach the 80s.
How To Harvest Turnips
Once turnips are little, harvest the greens; the leaves are at their peak when they are young and delicate. Leaves should be cut 2 inches above the bottom; they may regrow. If you’re growing for roots, only harvest a couple at a time.
Roots can be harvested at any time, although small, immature turnips are more ender. After around 5 weeks, harvest early varieties; after 6 to 10 weeks, harvest maincrop varieties.
Harvest autumn turnips after one or two mild frosts (but before a strong freeze) for a sweeter flavor. Mulch to extend the harvest season and guard against a strong cold.
Recommended: Learn how to grow turnip from sprouting tops
Conclusion
I hope you find this article useful. I would like to hear from you. So, let me know if you have any questions about growing turnip from seeds.
