The turnip is a root vegetable best grown in temperate climates. The most common variety is the white turnip. The turnip is almost completely white, except for the small bit that grows above the ground, which is often colored purple.
Turnips are a hardy vegetable that can be grown through frost. About 15° to 20°C is the perfect temperature to grow turnips. They are not too fussy about soil acidity, but anything lower than pH 5.5 will need liming.
Planting Turnips
Plant turnips in fertile, well-drained soil if possible. They do not need huge amounts of sunlight.
Prepare the soil with a good amount of manure and organic matter. Manure is highly recommended so that the turnips produce forked roots. The soil should be firm when planting.
Turnips are best grown in the ground. Seed beds are not recommended as root crops do not cope well with transplanting. Plant the seeds half an inch (1cm) deep in rows a foot (30cm) apart. As the turnips grow, thin them to being about 4 to 6 inches (10-15cm) apart. As with all thinning operations, leave the strongest seedling. Thinning should be done early on when the plants are an inch tall to allow good root development.
Growing Turnips
Weed around the turnips regularly and water frequently. They especially need water when small as their roots are not well developed. 9 liters per square meter is a good rule of thumb.
To grow in pots, use a high quality potting mix mixed with organic matter and water well. Pots should be about a foot (30cm) deep. Follow the instructions above for seeding.
Harvesting Turnips
Turnips are ready for harvest after 8-10 weeks, or when they are around the size of a golf ball. The plant is not fully mature at this point but younger turnip is much tastier. They can simply be pulled from the ground by hand.
Turnips keep for a few weeks. They can be frozen by removing the tops, cutting in to small cubes and blanching for 2 minutes before being frozen in a pack.
Threats to Turnips
Small bugs like aphids, caterpillars and weevils are the biggest annoyance. Manual removal and insecticide is the solution.
White rust shows as yellowish spots on the top sides of the leaves. Remove the diseased leaves as soon as possible.