Quick Facts
- Plant Size: 12 inches plant, 2–4 inches roots.
- Hardiness: Hardy Biennial.
- Sun: Full/Partial.
- Seed Planting Depth: 0.5 inch.
- Days to Harvest: 55 days.
- Good for Container: N/A.
How long does it take for purple top turnips to grow?
about 55 days
Turnips are a cool-weather crop and well adapted for the northern climate. The most vigorous root growth takes place during periods of low temperatures and they will reach maturity in about 55 days. Soil temperatures should be at least 50° for germination.
How big is a purple top turnip?
4–6" across
Handsomely blushed with pink to purple at the crown, classic turnip range from 4–6″ across. Super-nutritious young leaves on the easy-growing plants are the classic southern greens of legend and are perfect for soups, in vegetable gratin, or baked alongside other root vegetables.
What does purple top turnips look like growing?
With purple tops, the part of the tuber that grows below ground is white, while the upper part that sticks out of the ground is purple. The greens, which are also edible, grow from the purple part. Purple tops grow larger than many varieties of turnip, and they can be stored successfully in a cool, moist location.
How big should turnips be when you pick them?
about 2 inches
If harvesting for both the root and the leaves, the turnip should be about 2 inches in diameter, but if the leaves have been harvested first, the turnip should be 3 inches in diameter when it is ready to be pulled. Pick turnips when they are smaller for a milder, sweeter flavor.
What month do you plant turnips?
Soil, Planting, and Care
Set out turnip green plants 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring and from late August to October for a fall crop in most areas.
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.
What is the best turnip to plant for deer?
Purple Top Turnips in your food plots will not disappoint. They are easy to grow and mange, and provide a great crop for deer to browse throughout the fall hunting season and winter months.
What time of year do you plant turnips for deer?
Turnips can be planted in late summer in northern climates or early fall in the southern states. Different turnip varieties produce different proportions of leaves and roots. Garden varieties tend to grow large roots and should be avoided.
What is the best turnip?
Manchester Market Turnip
They are one of the best Types of Turnips you should grow!
Do turnips grow back every year?
Turnips are hardy biennials, even though we treat them as annuals. They naturally flower and go to seed in the second year. In the first year, they sometimes may bolt (flower and and go to seed early) due to stress caused by extreme temperatures (cold or hot) or lack of nutrients or water.
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.
How long can turnips stay in the ground?
While spring-planted turnips should not stay in the ground until winter, summer-planted crops can usually be made to last until late fall or winter. Turnips withstand frost well and don’t need to be dug until the ground freezes.
Should I trim turnip leaves?
Older leaves turn yellow and begin to wither if you haven’t removed them for food or pruning purposes. Removing the old growth encourages new leaves to grow and is healthy for the turnip, whether grown for leaves or roots. Old, inedible leaves can be placed in a compost pile.
Should turnips be refrigerated?
Turnips: Remove the greens and clean off any soil. Store turnips in a container covered with a damp cloth. Best stored in the refrigerator crisper or lowest shelf. They should keep 4 to 5 months.
Are turnips easy to grow?
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. You can also sow in large containers outdoors, for harvesting when small, as baby veg.
Can I grow turnips in pots?
You can easily grow Turnips in containers and the small Turnips roots can be easily grown in at least 12 inches deep and wide containers. Fill one of your containers with a commercial potting mix, which combines elements like high compost, vermiculite, and peat moss.
Why are my turnips all tops?
Bolting is generally caused by stress which can take the form of too little watering or poor soil. Bolting of turnips is common when the soil is void of nutrients, a problem that can be easily prevented with a little work prior to planning.
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.
Is bone meal good for turnips?
Turnips also prefer soils rich in potassium and phosphorus, but not in nitrogen. Adding bone meal and wood ashes to the soil before planting helps increase potassium and phosphorus levels. Water your turnip plants at a rate of about 1 inch per week and be sure the soil is well drained.
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.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.