Turnip — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Brassica rapa subsp. rapa |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 4–7 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 7.2–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 40–60 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 10.2–15.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–22.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct-sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained, moderately fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun as early as 2–3 weeks before last frost in spring, or 6–8 weeks before first fall frost; turnips are among the fastest-maturing root vegetables available, producing edible roots in 40–60 days and providing both edible roots and edible greens from a single planting. The roots are sweetest and most tender when harvested at 2–3 inches in diameter — larger roots become pithy and bitter. In zone 7–10 fall-planted turnips can overwinter in the ground and are sweetened by frost exposure. The greens of varieties like 'Seven Top' and 'Purple Top White Globe' are prized in Southern cooking and highly nutritious. Turnips also function as a quick-maturing catch crop, cover crop, and forage plant.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0