Growing and Sowing Turnip

Garden turnips have many different names and are also called, for example, garden turnip, autumn turnip, and neep. They are often harvested at the end of spring or autumn, depending on the variety.

In addition, there is also swede or rutabaga. Despite the fact that it is also a turnip variety, this is a completely different vegetable and is harvested in winter. Garden turnips form tubers under the ground and have a somewhat radish-like taste. Like the swede, they belong to the forgotten vegetables.

Growing your own turnips from seeds

There are different types of turnips, which, depending on when they can be harvested, are also called May or autumn turnips. Growing garden turnips is easy and they can be harvested after about 6 to 10 weeks after sowing. Sowing can be done from March to August, harvesting from June to December. Garden turnips can be pre-sown, but directly in open ground is preferable because it gives better results. The leaves of this vegetable are also edible.

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Sowing and planting turnips

Turnips can be sown from March to August, depending on the variety. The months of May and June are slightly less suitable because there is a greater risk of diseases and pests, such as the cabbage fly. Garden turnips sown in March and April can be harvested from May. For a harvest in autumn/winter, they can be sown in July and August.

Sow at a row distance of 25-30 cm and keep a planting distance in the row of 10 to 15 cm. If necessary, thin out later so that the correct planting distance is achieved. To divide the harvest, the sowing can be spread over several weeks. The plants don't like transplanting, so sow as thinly as possible.

Position and soil for growing Turnip

Garden turnips can be grown in any soil, but a sandy, loamy soil is preferable. The soil must be fertile, so enrich it with compost if necessary. Turnips like moist soil. Make sure the soil is loose and not too acidic. Choose a sunny to semi-shaded location.

How to care for your turnip plants

Turnips need little care and are easy to grow. Keeping the soil loose and weed-free and watering regularly is sufficient. Extra fertilization is not necessary.

When and how to harvest turnips?

When turnips can be harvested depends on when they were sown. Mostly, they can be harvested 6 to 10 weeks after sowing. The leaves are also edible.

How to preserve turnips

Turnips can be stored at a temperature of about 0-5^o C, for example in a cellar, for about 4 months. They also have a long shelf life in the refrigerator. Garden turnips can be frozen, but first clean, cut and blanch. In addition, they can also be canned.

Are turnips healthy?

Turnips, like other vegetables, are healthy. In particular, they contain a lot of vitamin C.

Turnip seeds in our assortment

In our range we have seeds of both May and autumn turnips. Both yellow and red-headed turnips.

Tips to grow turnips

Turnips grow fast. In order to be able to eat them fresh from your own garden, it can therefore be useful not to sow them all at once, but for example 1 row every week. This extends the harvest period.

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