Turnip Seeds - Purple Top - Brassica rapa

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Grows as a cool-season annual in all zones. Turnips are a hardy root vegetable that can tolerate light frost and prefer consistent cool temperatures for development.

Best performance in Zones 3-9 during the cooler parts of the year.

Northern Zones (2-5) - Plant in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, and again in mid-to-late summer for a fall harvest. A light frost can even improve the flavor of the roots and greens.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Best grown in late fall, winter, and early spring. Avoid planting during the peak of summer heat, which can cause the roots to become woody and bitter.

Soil Temperature - Requires a cool soil for germination, with an optimal temperature range of 55-75F. Consistent moisture is crucial for germination.

Growing Season - Requires 50-60 days from seed to maturity, making it an excellent crop for succession planting and extending the harvest.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost. For a continuous harvest, plant a new batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks. For a fall crop, sow seeds in mid-to-late summer, about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Turnips prefer rich, well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.

Sowing Seeds:

Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and mixing in compost.

Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 2-3 inches apart.

Lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently water to moisten the seedbed.

Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which typically takes 5-10 days.

Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to a final spacing of 4-6 inches apart.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent and even moisture throughout the growing season. Inconsistent watering can cause the roots to become tough and develop a very strong, bitter flavor.

Fertilizing: Amend the soil with compost before planting. Turnips do not require a lot of fertilizer, but a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once the plants are established.

Harvesting: Harvest the roots when they are young and tender, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You can also harvest the outer leaves for fresh greens.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for common pests like flea beetles. Consider using row covers to protect young plants.

Storage: Turnips can be stored in a cool, dark, and moist place, like a root cellar or the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, for several months.