50-80 days.
Under ideal growing conditions, they’ll grow very fast and can reach maturity in 50-80 days. For hunting season, plant late summer in the north or early fall in the south. The recommended broadcast seeding rate is 10 lbs/acre, less if you seed in a mixture with other species.
When’s the best time to plant purple top turnips?
Sow purple top turnip seeds about 1 inch apart in the trenches, four to six weeks before the last frost for harvest in late spring, covering the seeds lightly with soil. Purple top and other turnip varieties grow best in daytime temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take turnips to mature?
Turnips are quick and easy to grow from seed, ready to harvest in as little as six to ten weeks. They like cool, moisture-retentive soil, in an open, sunny location.
What’s the best time to plant turnips?
When to Plant Turnips
- For a late spring harvest, sow turnip seeds about 2 to 3 weeks before the average last spring frost date.
- For an autumn harvest, sow turnips in late summer after summer crops of onions, squash, beans, or sweet corn.
- For a later autumn harvest, sow seeds in early autumn.
How big do purple top turnips get?
Bright purple on top and creamy white in the portion below the soil line. They are mild flavoured and sweet, and can reach 13cm (5″) in diameter but are better for eating when picked at 5-8cm (2-3″).
What is a good fertilizer for turnips?
Feed turnip plants with natural fertilizer containing potassium and phosphorous, such as compost tea, for good root development. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers like manure, which can give turnips an unpleasant flavor. Keep the soil pH above 6.0 to avoid fungus problems like club root.
Will deer eat purple top turnips?
Purple Top Turnip a brassica family plant that deer love to consume. This nutritious turnip has the characteristic of growing with the globe exposed so deer have easy access to the entire plant in food plots. The plant and roots are nutritious and protein filled, readily consumed by deer.
How big should turnips be when you pick them?
Harvest turnips when root tops are 1 to 1½ inches in diameter but not more than 2½ inches in diameter. Turnips that get too big will be strong-flavored and often become tough and fibrous. Harvest turnip greens young and tender. Cut the outer leaves an inch or so above the crown and the leaves will grow back quickly.
What time of year do deer eat turnips?
The key factor to remember with turnips — while deer will begin eating them as early as germination, don’t expect peak consumption during the early season. In areas with quality food sources, deer typically don’t hit them very hard until mid-October to early November.
How long can you leave turnips in the ground?
They do rot after one week, so if you lose track of them after putting them in the ground, those Bells will be wasted and your storage efforts will be for nothing. Like we suggested to do inside the house, you may as well design parts of your island around turnips if you plan on keeping a lot of them.
How do I know when turnips are ready to harvest?
Turnips are ready to harvest 40 to 55 days after planting. If harvesting the leaves, they are ready when they reach 4-6 inches in height. If only harvesting the leaves, cut them from the plant when they reach the desired size, leaving 1 inch of leaves above the crown of the plant. More leaves will grow in their place.
Do deer like turnips?
The cool thing about planting turnips in your food plot is the deer love to eat both the leafy tops and the taproots (or the turnip). And if, for some reason, the deer don’t want the underground turnips, you can always harvest them and serve them for dinner yourself.
Why are my turnips not forming bulbs?
If they are subjected to drought, especially early in the season, that can interfere with the formation of a globular root. Heavy Soil: Turnips prefer fairly light soil. If your soil is too heavy, dense, or rocky, the root may not develop well.
Can you eat purple top turnips raw?
Though they are most commonly cooked, turnips can be enjoyed raw as well. If you plan to eat them raw, simply peel and slice the turnip like an apple to eat with dips or add to the top of your salad. Be sure to slice off the root end and remove the greens – which can be saved for cooking as well.
Will purple top turnips grow in wet soil?
They are adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, but prefer fertile, loamy soils with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5. Beware, they do not grow well in heavy clay soils, wet, or poorly drained locations – especially at establishment.
What do purple top turnips taste like?
Round in shape and occasionally featuring a purple top where the root has been exposed to sunlight in its final stages of growth, turnips have crunchy white flesh that tastes a bit like cabbage when eaten raw.
Is Miracle Grow good for turnips?
Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed All Purpose Plant Food
This fertilizer has a high ratio of nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (P), making it ideal for turnip greens.
Can you use Miracle Grow on turnips?
If you are looking for an all-around great option for Turnips then I recommend the Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. This is one of the Best Turnip Fertilizers EVER! This fertilizer instantly feeds providing bigger, better Turnips. You can apply it every two weeks with a garden feeder.
How often should I fertilize my turnips?
Fertilize turnips again six weeks after emergence. Use 1/3 cup of a nitrogen-based fertilizer, such as 34-0-0 or 21-0-0, for every 10-foot row. Mix the fertilizer into the soil next to each plant.
Can you plant turnips and clover together?
As the wheat begins to mature next spring the clover should come on strong and dominate the stand. Turnips can shade out the clover and make it difficult to control weeds next year. I suggest planting the turnips by themselves or with wheat.
Why won’t deer eat my turnips?
Deer wont eat turnips if you plant too much seed. The plants end up crowding each other out and they stop growing. Deer crave plants that are growing, and stemmy plants go to the bottom of the desired list. Gauge the size of your plots accurately, and err on the low side for seed planted if you are unsure.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.