Turnip Growing Guide

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

Turnip

Crop Rotation Group

Brassicas (Cabbage family) 

Soil

Any reasonably fertile well-drained soil.

Position

Sun or partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes, survives mild frosts, can protect with straw.

Feeding

Not usually required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 15cm (5") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Early sowings can be under cover in late winter and planted out under cloches in early spring. Otherwise sow direct into soil from mid spring to mid summer.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Keep watered in dry weather.

Harvesting

Can be harvested from late summer onwards. Lift main crop in mid autumn and store to prevent them becoming woody in texture.

Troubleshooting

Spring crops bolt to seed quickly, so pull them when the roots are perfect.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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