Turnips
A fast-growing root crop, turnips can be harvested young for sweet, mild roots or left to mature for a more robust flavour. Both roots and greens are edible, offering dual value from a single plant.
Turnips seeds
£1.79 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March – August, direct outdoors. Spring sowings for summer roots, summer sowings for autumn/winter roots.
Plant out
Not typically transplanted; thin seedlings to final spacing
Harvest
May – November, depending on sowing time and desired size (4-10cm / 1.5-4 inches)
Conditions
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Consistent moisture is important for tender, sweet roots and to prevent bolting
Soil
Fertile, well-drained loam, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
10-15cm between plants, 30cm between rows
Containers
Suitable for containers, especially smaller varieties, needing at least 20cm depth
Indoors
Not usually necessary, direct sowing is easiest
Care and harvest
Feeding
Not generally needed in good soil. Over-fertilising with nitrogen can encourage leafy growth.
Pruning
None required, though outer leaves can be harvested for greens
Harvesting
Pull when roots are young and tender. Larger roots can be tougher.
Storage
Store in a cool, dark, frost-free place for several weeks. Can also be frozen or pickled.
Good companions: Peas, Beans, Mint