turnip
Brassica rapa (Rapifera Group)
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Division,Cutting
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 11
Flowers:
Flowers
Sun:
full sun
Fruits:
green,purple,white Fruits Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Turnips require approximately 1-2 inches of water a week. They prefer deep, infrequent watering. It is better to water deeply and less often than to water lightly and more frequently. When watering, the soil should be moistened to a depth of at least 8 inches. Turnips should not be overwatered, as this may lead to root and foliage diseases. To ensure that the soil is not over- or under-watered, it is best to check the soil moisture level with your finger or a soil moisture meter before watering.
sunlight
Turnip plants (Brassica rapa (Rapifera Group)) need at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day for optimal growth. This should be spread throughout the day rather than all at once; full-sun plants should have 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. If this cannot be provided, then partial shade should be allowed with indirect sunlight for 3-4 hours per day. Turnips should not be exposed to full sun for more than 12 hours per day, as this can lead to burn or dryness of the leaves. Planting in late summer or early fall will result in optimal sunlight exposure for turnips.
pruning
Turnips are a fast growing and easy to care for plant species. Pruning of turnips helps keep them healthy and manageable. For best results, turnips should be pruned every 4 to 6 weeks for the entire growing season. When pruning turnips, pay attention to the size and shape of the plants. Always cut off any damaged or dead leaves, stems, or any other parts of the plant. To encourage branching out and healthy growth, prune the lower leaves at the base of the plant. This will also help with air circulation and reduce pest problems. For maximum growth, remove any large or elongated leaves and thin the canopy of the plant. Pruning will also control the flowering of turnips and help keep them from going to seed early. When pruning turnips, be sure to use a clean and sharp pair of shears, scissors, or pruning blades. Make sure to sanitize the tools after each use to reduce the spread of disease. When handled and managed properly, turnips will grow and prosper in any home garden.
FAQ
Can we grow turnips indoors?
Yes, it is possible to grow turnips indoors as long as you provide the turnips with suitable temperature, light, and soil to grow in. Plant turnip seeds in a pot or container with potting soil and set it in a warm, sunny spot. Water the soil regularly and provide additional lighting if needed. Turnips typically take anywhere from 35-50 days to mature, and harvest them before the turnips are fully grown in order to get the best quality. Monitor the soil and water regularly to keep plants healthy and ensure a successful indoor turnip harvest.
Are turnip plants able to resist frost?
Yes, turnip plants are able to resist frost. Turnips are a cool-season crop that can tolerate temperatures ranging from 27-32 F (-3 to 0 C). To protect the plants from the coldest temperatures, turnips can have some mulch, like straw, spread around them to create a micro-climate and protect them from frost. Their deep tap root also provides extra insulation against frost damage.
Can turnips grown in raised beds?
Yes, turnips can be grown in raised beds. Raised beds are beneficial for planting turnips because it helps the soil to warm up faster. Additionally, it helps to improve drainage, which is ideal for getting optimal yields. Additionally, raised beds make it easy to keep the soil at the optimum level of moisture for turnip growth. Furthermore, raised beds also create an ideal environment for providing consistent and generous amounts of organic matter to the soil. For best results, turnips should be planted in raised beds in the late spring, typically 4 to 5 weeks before the final frost date.
Do we need to practice crop rotation for turnip cultivation?
Yes, crop rotation is a great practice to use when cultivating turnips. Crop rotation ensures that nutrients in the soil are not depleted due to overuse, and having different plants in the same area can help keep pests at bay. Additionally, crop rotation helps to break pest cycles, reduce the risk of soil borne diseases and promote healthier plants. Turnips require certain levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for optimum health, which are made available to the plant through crop rotation.
Is it possible to grow turnips in a container garden?
Yes, it is possible to grow turnips in a container garden. Turnips do not need much space, and they are easy to maintain. For best results, make sure to choose a container that is large and deep enough to accommodate the root size of your turnips. Select a container with drainage holes and add a layer of gravel or small stones for optimal drainage. Fill your container with a well-draining, soil-based potting mix, ensuring you add plenty of organic matter. Finally, sow your seeds and water them regularly as your seedlings begin to sprout. With the right conditions, you should be able to grow a successful crop of turnips in your container garden.
Can turnips be cultivated hydroponically?
Yes, turnips can be cultivated hydroponically. Hydroponic cultivation of turnips works much the same as with other vegetables where the plants are grown without soil, instead dependent on water and nutrients. This method of cultivation involves growing turnips in a soilless nutrient solution often made up of fertilizers, minerals, and nutrients that nourish the plant's roots. Hydroponic turnip production requires only a fraction of the water compared to traditional outdoor soil-based farming and offers higher yields, faster growth rates, and superior quality produce.
Do turnips thrive in cold climates?
Yes, turnips are cold-hardy and thrive in cold climates. They are a root vegetable that does well in cool and moderate growing seasons and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C. Turnips grow best in locations where the temperatures drop below zero during the winter months and set in late summer to early fall. Turnips can also tolerate light frost and short periods of below-freezing temperatures. With proper care and soil preparation, turnips can provide harvests in cold climates.
Is it possible to pickle turnips?
Yes, it is possible to pickle turnips. The process requires a few simple steps. First, you must peel and cut the turnips into slices. After that, you must bring a mixture of water, vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil and add the turnips slices. Then simmer the mixture for a few minutes until the turnips are soft, let them cool and then transfer them to a clean jar. Finally, you need to pour in enough of the brine to cover the turnips and store in the fridge. Pickled turnips can be enjoyed in as little as one week, but can last up to several months.
