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Turnip

Brassica rapa Rapifera Group

INTRODUCTION

Although a Brassica crop, Turnips are normally classed as a root crop due to the edible part of the vegetable being grown under the soil.

Turnips are an ancient vegetable dating back to at least 400BC but have gone a little out of fashion these days. Traditionally, they were carved for Halloween before Pumpkins joined the party.

They are easy to grow and are quick to produce, in as little as 6-7 weeks, so are well worth a go especially for the beginner.

Soil Preparation

Turnips prefer a light, fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

The growing area should be open, sunny and with firm soil.

The addition of garden lime may be required to maintain a soil pH of around 6.8. Do not grow in a freshly manured site as this addition of excess nitrogen can cause excessive foliage growth. Manure ground well in advance of planting.

Sowing & Planting

Sowing can be made twice a year, in early spring for a late spring harvest and again in late summer for an autumn/winter harvest.

Turnips do not appreciate hot temperatures where they can very quickly become woody and inedible.

Prepare the seedbed by removing any weed from the soil and rake level to a fine tilth.

Sow directly into the soil by taking out a drill (shallow groove) and sow seed thinly.

Cover seed to a depth of 1cm and leave 25cm (10 inches) between rows. Sowings made for autumn/winter cropping can be made at slightly wider spacings.

Cover early sowings with cloches to enable extra early harvesting.

Growing & General Cultivation

When Turnip seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out to about 15cm (6 inches) to enable roots to reach their full potential. Closer thinning will result in smaller roots. 

Keep the growing area weed-free and don't allow the top of roots to be too exposed to the air as it will cause them to go green.

Turnips require regular watering to ensure consistent unchecked growth. Feeding should not be necessary.

Pests & Diseases

Turnips in general, are an easy crop to produce but occasionally you may encounter the odd issue.

Flea Beetle can cause foliage damage which if severe can cause a check to growth. Cover with a fly-proof net to prevent an attack if required.

Cabbage Root Fly can be a problem. The larvae, resulting from eggs laid at the base of stems, will eat roots causing the plant to wilt and die.

Clubroot, a soil-borne fungal disease, affects all Brassicas which causes swelling and distortion of roots. It results in poor plant growth and subsequent loss of harvest. Avoid using ground previously used for brassica crops and ensure correct soil pH (6.8). Add garden lime as required.

Powdery Mildew may affect foliage and cause stunted growth. Ensure crops do not dry out.

Turnip Gall Weevil can attack roots and cause distortion. Not to be confused with clubroot, the gall larvae feed on the inside of the Turnip root and result in hollowed out cavities. There are no chemical remedies available to the home gardener.

Harvesting

Harvest Turnips as required when they have reached golf ball size. Early crops will easily pull from the ground by hand. Later maturing harvests can be eased out by gentle lifting with a fork. 

Do not allow them to over mature as they will become woody and unpalatable.

Leave autumn/winter harvesting crops in the soil until required, alternatively, lift and store in peat in a frost-free environment.

Young Turnips can be eaten raw and are a great addition grated into a salad. More mature roots can be boiled or lightly steamed.

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