How to Grow Turnips

easyGardening37 days6 steps

Safety Warnings

Avoid planting near Black Walnut trees as they produce juglone, which is toxic to turnips.

stainless steel hand trowel — for sowing seeds and thinning seedlings

garden rake — for smoothing soil and creating drills

turnip seeds — heirloom or hybrid variety(1 packet)

rotted manure — organic soil amendment(as needed for enrichment)

Prepare well-drained, fertile soil enriched with rotted manure, maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Tip: Avoid planting near sunflowers, as allelopathic compounds can inhibit germination.

Direct seed in drills (rows) in early spring 2-3 weeks before the last frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest.

Tip: Sow seeds to a depth of half an inch; drilling is preferred over broadcasting to ensure uniform root size.

Maintain high, consistent moisture levels throughout the growing period.

Tip: Keep soil moist to ensure tender texture and prevent bitterness.

Thin seedlings to a spacing of 3-4 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.

Tip: Proper spacing ensures roots have room to expand and receive sufficient sun.

Monitor for pests such as flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots.

Tip: Plant companion nasturtiums as trap crops or onions to repel root maggots.

Harvest the roots once they reach the desired size, approximately 37 days after planting for varieties like Scarlet Queen.

Tip: The edible greens can also be harvested and used in salads or cooking.

Plant alongside radishes to help break up compacted soil for better root development.
Use peas as a companion to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits turnip leaf growth.
Avoid planting near other Brassicas (like cabbage or mustard) to reduce the risk of clubroot and shared pests.

Synthesized from 7 verified sources:

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Gutenberg: Home Vegetable GardeningView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →