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Growing Turnip Plants

The nutrition information on this page is specific to a portion size of 100 grams. All information is sourced from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nutrition information for raw, green, fresh Turnip Greens contain the following nutrients.

Turnips are root crops and members of the mustard family with a long history of human cultivation. Plants have slightly hairy green leaves, small yellow flowers, and white or yellow bulbs, with tops that can turn purple or green when exposed to sunlight as they grow above the soil.The turnip or white turnip is a root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for its white, fleshy taproot. The word turnip is a compound of turn as in turned/rounded on a lathe and neep, derived from Latin napus, the word for the plant.They are particularly high in Calcium, Copper, Fiber, Folate, Magnganese, Vitamins A, B-6, C, E and Vitamin K.

How Much Space Does Turnip Plants Need?

Plant seeds one to two inches apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart. Thin turnip seedlings leaving three to six inches between plants. Thin rutabagas to an eight-inch spacing. Drought stress can make turnips and rutabagas bitter or woody.

What Type Soil Does Turnips Like?

Turnips prefer a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. Good soil fertility will help them grow quickly. Make sure the soil is well-draining so the roots don't rot. If necessary, you can raise the pH of your soil by incorporating lime into the soil. Ground agricultural limestone is a common liming material, but dolomite and a number of alternative liming materials can also be effective.

Planting Instructions

Before planting, mix in a nice low organic fertilizer (such as a 5-5-5) about 12 inches into the soil. Sow seeds directly in the soil 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch deep, 1 inch apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Growing turnips should be done with seeds in the soil about 1/2 inch (1 cm.) deep at a rate of 3 to 20 seeds per foot (31 cm.). Water immediately after planting to speed germination.

Nutrients

Normal-Turnips and mustards need adequate nitrogen to develop a dark green color. When the plants are 4 to 5 inches tall, apply ½ cup of fertilizer for each 10 feet of row. Spread the fertilizer beside the plants, mix it lightly with the soil and water it into the soil.

Vegan- For best results if growing in small to medium size containers, be sure to incorporated before planting our Callemo Powder to help support the plants Calcium and Magnesium needs. Then our VeGrow Quick Start to get the root system started and then use our VeGrow Supreme Plus once a week for the duration of the plants life cycle.

What can I plant next to Turnips?

Do not plant turnips near other root crops such as parsnips, carrots, potatoes, or beets because they compete for the same nutrients in the soil.

Harvest Time

Turnips are ready to harvest 40 to 55 days after planting. If harvesting the leaves, they are ready when they reach 4-6 inches in height. If only harvesting the leaves, cut them from the plant when they reach the desired size, leaving 1 inch of leaves above the crown of the plant. More leaves will grow in their place.