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Turnips are seeded directly into the garden; they do not transplant well. Sow seeds ¼ to ½ 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 ½ an inch of soil. Water well and consistently.
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.
What is the best time to plant turnips?
Plant your fall turnip greens from late August to October; for a spring crop, plant 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Space these easy-to-grow greens 6 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
Are turnips hard to grow?
Growing and maintaining turnips is pretty easy. They are fast growing, reliable, and relatively low maintenance. It is not necessary to fertilize plants once they are in the ground since they grow so quickly. As long as the soil is rich in organic material when you sow the seeds, they should be happy.
How long does it take for turnip seeds to germinate?
Turnip seeds sprout best, within a week or two, between 60 and 70 degrees F; however, if sown in cooler soils, down into the mid 40s, they take longer to sprout. Keep soil moist and the plants will grow quickly, being ready for harvest between 40 and 60 days after planting seed.
Do turnips need light to germinate?
Sow seed 2 inches apart and later thin to 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) apart for large storage turnips, and 2 to 4 inches apart for greens. Space rows 12 inches apart. To improve germination sow seed at dusk or on a cool, cloudy day. Grow turnips in full sun for best yield; turnips tolerate partial shade.
Can turnip seedlings be transplanted?
Turnips do not transplant well; start seeds directly in the garden. Plant seeds 1 inch apart and ¼ – ½ inch deep. Turnip seeds germinate quickly. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart (depending on the variety) when they are 2-3 inches tall.
Do turnips need full sun?
Turnips generally require a full sun location but will tolerate partial shade, especially if you plan on harvesting the plant for its greens. Preparing the bed to grow turnip plants in is easy.
Will turnips grow in hot weather?
The seeds require 50 F temperatures to germinate, and the roots grow the most toward the end of their development in soil temperatures between 40 and 60 F. Summer temperatures in temperate Mediterranean climates, however, facilitate turnip growth just fine.
How many days does it take to grow turnips?
You can also cut and use the entire plants. Most turnip varieties produce greens in 40 days. Turnip roots generally take 50 to 60 days to produce. Harvest turnip greens by pulling the entire plant when the leaves are 4 to 6 inches long (Fig.
How much water do turnips need?
Turnips do not need much care, but consistent soil moisture is important. Water regularly to keep soil lightly moist; 1 inch per week should prevent roots from becoming tough and bitter.
Do turnips come back every year?
A true biennial, the turnip requires a vernalization, or cooling period, before producing blooms and seeds in its second year.
What to plant after turnips?
Turnips are natural aphid repellents, protecting a wide variety of garden crops that are vulnerable to aphid invasion. Squash, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, onions, garlic, lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, cauliflower, and radishes all flourish when planted interspersed with turnips.
How deep do I plant turnip seeds?
Turnips – Key Growing Information Sow early spring through late summer in a 2–4″ wide band, seeds 1″ apart (35 seeds/ft.) for small turnips or 2″ apart (and half this rate) for larger turnips. Sow 1/4– 1/2″ deep in rows 12–18″ apart.
What is the best fertilizer for turnips?
To get the biggest, tastiest turnips in your home garden, amend your soil with nutrient-rich fertilizer before and after planting. Spread 2 to 4 inches of composted organic matter over 100 square feet of soil. Apply 2 to 4 cups of all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, 10-20-10 or 16-16-8, per 100 square feet.
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.
What do turnips look like when they start to grow?
Turnip leaves are light green and slightly hairy. They grow into an elongated oval, with toothed or wavy edges. Turnip roots are generally either white or yellow, with the part that protrudes above ground purple or green thanks to sun exposure. If allowed to bolt, turnip flowers are small and yellow.
Why are my turnips not growing?
Heavy Soil: Turnips prefer fairly light soil. If your soil is too heavy, dense, or rocky, the root may not develop well. Depending on your conditions, you may find your turnips do better in a raised bed filled with quality soil. Transplantation: Turnips have little tolerance for transplanting.
Is it too late to plant turnips?
Turnips are cool-weather plants that can be sown in late winter, spring, or late summer to give them the two months they need to mature before it gets too hot or freezes.
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.
