Sowing, Growing, + Harvesting Turnips

Sowing

• Plant turnip seeds in early spring for a late spring or early summer harvest. You can also sow them in late summer for a fall harvest.
• Choose a location with full sun or partial shade and well-drained, loose soil. Turnips are not too picky about soil pH but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Sow the turnip seeds directly in the garden about 1/4 inch deep and spaced 1-2 inches apart in rows. Rows should be about 12-18 inches apart.
• Water the soil well after sowing to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Growing

• Thin the seedlings to achieve proper spacing once they have a few leaves, leaving about 3-6 inches between plants.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the initial growth period.
• Fertilize with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or one formulated for root crops when planting and again as the plants grow.

Harvesting

• Turnips are typically ready for harvest when the roots are 2-3 inches in diameter, about 40-60 days after sowing.
• Harvest turnips by gently pulling them out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the roots.
• Young turnips tend to be milder and more tender, while older ones may have a stronger flavor.

Storing

• Store freshly harvested turnips in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, such as a root cellar or a cool pantry.
• Trim the tops and roots before storing turnips in a perforated plastic bag or a container with ventilation holes. Properly stored, they can last for several months.

Recommended Varieties From Seeds 'n Such

• Just Right Hybrid Turnip Seeds
• Purple Top White Globe Turnip Seeds
• Shogoin Turnip Seeds
• Golden Globe Turnip Seeds