Turnip
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
The turnip is a fast-growing cool-season root crop with a white-and-purple swollen root, grown widely in vegetable gardens.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Steady, even moisture
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
The turnip is a biennial brassica grown as an annual for its swollen, fleshy taproot. It is one of the oldest cultivated root crops in Europe and Asia.
Reliable and quick, turnips mature in roughly 6-8 weeks and tolerate cold well, making them a classic spring and autumn garden crop.
How to identify it
A rounded root crop topped by coarse, bristly green leaves.
- Root: Globe-shaped to flattened, usually white with a purple, green, or red-tinged crown above the soil line
- Leaves: Rough, bristly, lobed, bright green rosette
- Flowers: Yellow, four-petaled clusters in the second year if left to bolt
- Habit: Low rosette with the root sitting partly above the soil surface
Care & growing
Light: Full sun for best root development.
Water: Even, steady moisture; irregular watering causes woody or cracked roots.
Soil: Loose, well-drained, stone-free soil; pH 6.0-7.0.
Temperature: A cool-season crop preferring 50-70 F; tolerant of light frost.
Feeding: Modest; avoid high nitrogen, which favors leaves over roots.
Propagation: From seed sown directly and thinned; sow in spring and again in late summer for a fall crop.
Habitat & origin
Turnips were domesticated in Europe and western Asia thousands of years ago. They grow well across temperate regions worldwide and are valued both as a field crop and as livestock fodder and a cover/forage crop in many farming systems.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my turnips woody?
Woodiness usually comes from heat, drought, or lifting roots too late. Grow turnips in cool weather, water evenly, and lift them while young (2-3 in).
What's the difference between a turnip and a rutabaga?
Turnips are smaller and usually white-and-purple, while rutabagas (swedes) are larger, yellow-fleshed, and slower-growing. They are different but related brassicas.
How long do turnips take to grow?
Most turnips are ready in about 6-8 weeks from sowing, making them a fast, dependable crop for spring and fall.
Turnip guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Turnip.
