How to Grow Turnip

A cool-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Turnip is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Turnip is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the turnip page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Purple Top White Globe, Standard dual-purpose turnip (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
• Seven Top, Grown for abundant greens (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 15 cm (6 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 25cm+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Flea beetle, Cabbage moth and Aphids. In humid regions, Clubroot, Downy mildew and White spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Turnip is usually ready to harvest in roughly 8 weeks. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant turnip where you garden.

See also: Turnip in the plant library →

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