Turnip Purple Top White Globe Seeds
When should I plant
Turnips are a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. For spring planting, sow seeds 5 weeks before the last expected frost. For fall planting, sow seeds 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost. Turnips grow best in cooler temperatures and develop the best flavor when matured in cool weather.
Site consideration
Choose a location with full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Turnips prefer fertile soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Remove rocks and break up compacted soil to allow roots to develop properly. Mixing compost into the soil before planting helps improve fertility and drainage.
Water
Consistent moisture is essential to producing tender, flavorful roots throughout the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist, providing about 1 inch of water per week, as turnips do not appreciate dryness which can make their roots fibrous and tough. Light mulching around plants helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds while maintaining the steady soil moisture that turnips prefer.
Sunlight
Turnips grow best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal development. While they can tolerate partial shade, full sun encourages the most vigorous root growth and the sweetest, mildest flavor in your harvest.
Seed Germination
Turnip seeds germinate relatively quickly under the right conditions, typically sprouting in 3 to 14 days when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 75°F. Sow seeds ¼-½ inch deep, spacing them about 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Transplant
Turnips are usually direct-sown into the garden because they develop quickly and do not transplant well. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 3–4 inches apart to allow enough space for the roots to form properly.
Other Elements
Fertilization
Turnips benefit from moderately fertile soil. Work compost or a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can encourage leafy growth instead of root development.
Weed control
Controlling weeds is essential, particularly when plants are young, as turnip seedlings compete poorly with fast-growing weeds that steal nutrients, water, and sunlight. Gently hand-pull weeds as soon as they appear, being careful not to disturb the shallow roots of young turnips, and use shallow hoeing between rows. Once plants are established, their leafy tops will help shade out many weeds, and mulching with straw or organic material is highly effective at suppressing weeds while conserving moisture.
Harvest
Purple Top White Globe turnips mature in 45 to 55 days, though you can begin harvesting young "radish-size" turnips in about 30 days. Harvest roots when they reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter for the best flavor and tenderness, as they may become woody if left too long. Turnip greens can be harvested when leaves reach 3 to 4 inches in height, taking a few leaves per plant to allow continued growth. For the sweetest roots, harvest after a light frost or two, as cold converts starches into sugars.
Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.
For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.
Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
1. Improper drainage soil
2. Sowing depth more than one inch
3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
6. Lack of sunlight
7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.