Turnip Seeds - Seven 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. 'Seven Top' turnips are grown for their greens and are tolerant of light frost but will bolt (go to seed) in extreme heat.

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 late summer for a fall harvest. A light frost can even improve the flavor of the greens.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Best grown in late fall, winter, and early spring. Avoid planting during the peak of summer heat, as this will cause the plants to bolt and the greens to become bitter.

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

Growing Season - Requires 30-45 days from seed to first harvest, 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 late summer, about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.

Location and Soil:
Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent bolting. Turnips prefer rich, well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.

Sowing Seeds:

Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and mixing in compost.

Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. You can sow them more densely for a "cut-and-come-again" harvest of baby greens.

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.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Inconsistent watering can lead to bitterness in the greens.

Fertilizing: Amend the soil with compost before planting. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once the plants are established to encourage vigorous leafy growth.

Weeding: Keep the area weed-free, as weeds will compete with the turnip greens for nutrients and water.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting when the leaves are young and tender. Harvest the outer leaves first to allow the inner leaves to continue growing. For a full harvest, you can cut the entire plant about 1 inch above the soil line, and it will often regrow for a second cutting.