Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Moderate
- Grown as
- Biennial
- Days to Maturity
- 55-60 (Spring/Summer), 65-75 (Fall/Winter)
- Growing Habit
- -
- Hardiness
- Hardy
Turnips are a cool-weather crop and can survive temperatures as low as 25 degrees F.
- Crops
- Spring, Fall
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Cold, Cool
Turnip Greens can be grown in the spring or the fall, since the root is not going to be used.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 40°F - 85°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 45°F
Turnip seed germinates quickly even at low temperatures
- Start Indoors
- No
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)
Full sun.
- Water
- Moderate
Turnips don't need a lot of water, but it should be available constantly and not fluctuate too much. If the soil gets too dry, they can get woody and may even bolt.
- Feeder
- Light
Low nitrogen. Low phosphorous. Low potassium.
Turnips don't require a lot of nitrogen, unless you are growing them for greens, as this encourages foliage growth rather than root growth.
- Suitability
- Tolerates light frost
- Small Gardens?
- Yes
- Containers?
- Yes
A container for growing turnips should be at least 12" deep to allow for their roots. The seed should be planted 1/4" deep (never transplanted). Use a fairly rich soil mix that drains freely.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Green
- Fruit Size
- 3.0 - 4.0"
- Plant Height
- 16.0 - 22.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 3.0 - 4.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-11
- Disease Resistance
- Taste Profile
Hearty green taste, edible tops only.
- Rotation Group
- Roots: Alliums + Umbeliferae