Table of Contents
How do you plant turnip seeds?
Turnips are seeded directly into the garden; they do not transplant well. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch deep, 1 inch apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. You can also scatter turnip seed and cover the seeds with no more than 1/2 an inch of soil. Water well and consistently.
How long does it take to grow turnips from seed?
Depending on the climate and temperature it takes turnips around 60 days to grow. You can pull them from the ground after 30 days but they will be very small – 1″ to 2″ in diameter.
What month do you plant turnips?
Turnip greens are easy to grow in any well-drained soil. 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. In zones 9 and 10 they can be planted throughout fall and winter.
Do you soak turnip seeds before planting?
Still, I like to mix in standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer, watered in well, before planting turnip seeds. Additionally, deeply soaking the prepared bed helps encourage strong germination. In beds or rows, the only trick to getting turnip seeds to germinate is to keep them moist for about three days.
Do turnips come back every year?
The brassica family includes crops such as radish, kale, rutabaga, rapeseed, and broccoli. Like others in this vast family, turnips are a cool season annual and grow best during the cooler periods of the year. Late into winter when all other food sources are gone deer will keep coming back for the turnip roots.
How often should you water turnips?
Water. At least 1 inch of water per week is vital for good root development. Turnips need to grow quickly, and regular water along with a rich soil, will help them do that.
How many days does it take for turnips to sprout?
The seeds should germinate in 3 to 10 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F (21C) or thereabouts; germination will take longer in colder soil. Optimum soil temperature to grow turnips is 60°F (16°C).
Is it too late to 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. In zones 9 and 10 they can be planted throughout fall and winter.
How many turnips does a plant produce?
Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart (depending on the variety) when they are 2-3 inches tall. Use row covers to protect young plants from flea beetles and root maggots. What is this? For square foot gardening, plant 9 turnips per square foot.
What fertilizer is best 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 turnips grow in shade?
Turnips generally require a full sun location but will tolerate partial shade, especially if you plan on harvesting the plant for its greens. When planting turnips, plant them at ten day intervals, which will allow you to grow turnips for harvesting every couple of weeks throughout the season.
What seeds should not be soaked before planting?
By soaking the seed, it enables the new growth from the inside to push through the hard shell and grow. The seeds that could benefit from a good soaking include: corn, pumpkin, beans, chard, beets, and peas. The seeds you shouldn’t soak include: carrots, lettuce, radish, celery, turnips, and spinach.
Can you start turnips in pots?
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 you eat turnip leaves?
Turnip greens are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, as are kale and broccoli. They are high in nutrients and low in calories. Both the root and the leaves of the turnip are edible, but turnip greens refer specifically to the stem and leafy green part of the plant.
What animals eat turnips?
Turnips have been popular as livestock fodder for over 600 years and were grown extensively in England since the 1600s for winter feeding of sheep and cattle (Undersander et al., 1991; Smith, 1913; Prothero, 1888). Turnips were used as a pasture crop for pigs and winter fod- der for sows (Smith, 1913; Wilcox, 1915).
How long can I 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.
