garden
Turnip
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
Edible
Edible Partsroot, leaves
Overview
A fast-growing root vegetable that provides both peppery roots and nutritious greens — a true two-for-one crop. Baby turnips harvested young are sweet and mild enough to eat raw, while larger storage turnips develop more pungent, radish-like intensity. Turnips have been a cool-weather staple since ancient Roman times, and their greens are actually more nutritious than the roots.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones2 — 11
Height0.3m
Spread0.2m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanBiennial
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- Native to Alberta; also native to Algeria, Bulgaria, Eritrea and 16 more regions; introduced in 43 US states
- Cultivation Region
- Northern temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeLoose, well-drained, fertile sandy loam
Sowing & Propagation
Planting Depth5.08 cm
Seed Spacing10 cm
Row Spacing30 cm
Days to Maturity40–60 days
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow in spring; prefers cool weather |
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jul — Jul | Midsummer sowing for fall harvest |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Aug | Harvest at 2-3" diameter for best texture |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow early spring; succession sow every 2-3 weeks |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Jul — Aug | Late summer sowing for fall harvest |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Jun | Harvest spring crop before heat |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Fall harvest; frost sweetens flavor |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Sow in early spring while soil is cool |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall crop; flavor improves with light frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — May | Spring harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Oct — Nov | Fall harvest; flavor improves after frost |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall and winter crop; bolts in spring heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Jan (wraps) | Harvest during cool months |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Jan (wraps) | Cool-season crop only |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Mar (wraps) | Harvest during cool season |
Uses
Culinary
- Baby turnips raw with butter or in salads
- Mashed, roasted, or added to stews (larger roots)
- Greens cooked like collards — braised with pork in Southern tradition
Medicinal
- Greens rich in vitamins K, A, and C
- Glucosinolates in roots support detoxification
- Good source of fiber and manganese
Other Uses
- Fast-growing dual-purpose crop (roots + greens)
- Cold-hardy fall and winter garden staple
