🥦 Turnip
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
vegetables
root vegetable (brassicaceae)
Brassicaceae
☀️ Sun
Full sun (6, 8 hours); tolerates partial shade , especially beneficial in Zones 7+
💧 Water
Medium; 1 inch per week consistently; even moisture critical for tender, non-woody roots; drought stress causes woody/pithy/hot turnips
🗺️ Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
🧪 Soil pH
6.0, 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
🪴 Soil Type
Light, loose, sandy loam; turnips tolerate heavier soil than carrots but still need loose conditions for good root shape; moderate organic matter , excess nitrogen produces all tops, no roots
🚿 Drainage
Well-drained essential; standing water causes root rot and split roots
📏 Spacing
Seeds 2 inches apart, thin to 4, 6 inches; rows 12, 18 inches; for greens only: broadcast sow densely; for large storage turnips: thin to 6, 8 inches
📐 Height
12-18 in
⏱️ Maturity
30-60 days (from seed); baby turnips at 30-40 days, full size at 50-60 days
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ Root (swollen storage root , raw, roasted, mashed, pickled, soups/stews)
🍽️ Leaves/greens (turnip greens , highly nutritious, traditional Southern US staple)
🍽️ Stems (tender stems cooked with greens)
🍽️ Baby turnips (harvest at 1, 2 inches , most tender, eaten raw)
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (14)
Aromatic herb that improves health of neighboring plants
Attracts beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage pests; improves turnip growth
Quick companion crop between turnips
Universal garden companion; deters pests and attracts beneficials
Trap crop for aphids; repels cabbage loopers; ground cover retains moisture IMPORTANT management caveat: without active management, nasturtiums can become a SOURCE of aphids that migrate to nearby crops. Either remove aphid-infested nasturtium plants promptly, or treat the trap crop itself to eliminate the aphid colony before it spreads. Strategic placement within 4-5 feet of protected crops is key.
Alliums deter turnip pests
Peas fix nitrogen to support turnip root and leaf growth; both cool-season; peas provide light shade preventing turnip bolting
Same family , radishes mark rows for slower turnips; radishes are harvested before turnips need space
Aromatic herbs mask brassica scent from flea beetles and cabbage moths; strong pest deterrents
⚠️ Keep Apart (8)
Allelopathic , inhibits turnip root development
Aggressive mint competes for resources
⚠️ Mustard (close relative)
Same pest profile , increases flea beetle and cabbage worm pressure
Both are root crops competing for potassium and phosphorus; potato harvest disturbs turnip roots
Brassica root exudates may stunt tomato growth
Susceptible to juglone toxicity from walnut trees
💊 Medicinal Uses
Medicinal Properties
- Turnip greens are exceptionally nutrient-dense , one of the highest sources of vitamin K (1 cup cooked = 600%+ daily value), vitamin A, and vitamin C
- Roots contain glucosinolates , anti-cancer compounds; high in fiber and vitamin C
- Both roots and greens are rich in calcium (more bioavailable than spinach's calcium)
- Traditional remedy for respiratory issues , turnip syrup for coughs and bronchitis (folk medicine)
- Contains lutein , eye health; and indoles , hormone metabolism support
📝 Growing Notes
Turnips are one of humanity's oldest cultivated vegetables (prehistoric). Two main uses: salad turnips (small, tender, eaten raw , 'Hakurei' Japanese type) and storage turnips (larger, cooked , 'Purple Top White Globe' classic). Turnip greens may be more valued than the roots in Southern US and Asian cuisine. Extremely cold-hardy , roots can overwinter in ground with mulch in Zone 5+. Flavor sweetens after frost (like all brassicas). Fast-growing , 30, 60 days for roots. Flea beetles riddle leaves with holes , use row covers. 'Seven-top' variety is grown exclusively for greens.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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