How to Grow Turnips: Tips, Facts, and Information

Turnips are versatile root vegetables that are easy to grow and provide two crops in one: the flavorful roots and the tender, nutritious greens. Turnips thrive in cool weather and grow quickly, making them an ideal choice for both spring and fall planting. Whether roasted, mashed, or added to soups and salads, turnips are a fantastic addition to your garden. This guide covers the top 20 turnip varieties, along with essential growing tips, interesting facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Turnip Varieties to Grow

1. Purple Top White Globe

Tips: This classic variety prefers cool weather and well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for fall harvest.
Facts: Known for its sweet, mild flavor, this variety produces large, round roots with purple tops and white flesh.

2. Golden Ball

Tips: Plant in early spring or fall for the best results. Golden Ball turnips grow quickly and prefer full sun and rich soil.
Facts: This heirloom variety is prized for its sweet, yellow flesh and small, round roots, perfect for roasting or mashing.

3. Hakurei

Tips: Hakurei grows best in cool weather and should be planted in early spring or late summer. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Facts: A Japanese variety known for its small, white roots and sweet, crisp flavor. Hakurei turnips are often eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked.

4. Snowball

Tips: Snowball turnips prefer cooler temperatures and grow best in well-drained, rich soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or fall.
Facts: This pure white variety has smooth skin and tender flesh, making it perfect for roasting or adding to soups.

5. Scarlet Queen

Tips: Plant Scarlet Queen in early spring or late summer. This variety prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Facts: Known for its striking red skin and crisp, white flesh, Scarlet Queen is a fast-growing variety with a mild, sweet flavor.

6. White Egg

Tips: White Egg turnips thrive in cool weather and are best planted in spring or fall. They prefer well-drained soil and regular watering.
Facts: As the name suggests, this variety produces egg-shaped roots with smooth, white skin and a mild, sweet flavor.

7. Tokyo Cross

Tips: Plant Tokyo Cross turnips in early spring or fall for best results. They grow quickly in full sun and rich, moist soil.
Facts: This hybrid variety is known for its fast maturity and sweet, tender roots. Tokyo Cross is ideal for salads and light cooking.

8. Shogoin

Tips: Shogoin turnips prefer cooler weather and thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Plant in early spring or fall.
Facts: This Japanese variety is grown for both its roots and tender greens. The roots are mild and crisp, while the greens are flavorful and nutritious.

9. Petrowski

Tips: Sow Petrowski turnips in spring or fall for a fast-growing crop. This variety prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
Facts: Petrowski is a yellow turnip with smooth, tender flesh and a slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for soups, stews, or roasting.

10. Purple Top Milan

Tips: This variety grows best in cool weather. Plant seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Facts: Known for its flat, purple-topped roots and white flesh, Purple Top Milan has a delicate, sweet flavor and is perfect for fresh salads or light cooking.

11. Seven Top

Tips: Seven Top turnips are grown primarily for their tender greens. Sow seeds in early spring or fall, and harvest the greens regularly.
Facts: This variety produces few roots but is prized for its nutritious, flavorful greens, perfect for sautéing or adding to soups.

12. Amber Globe

Tips: Amber Globe prefers cooler temperatures and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in early spring or fall.
Facts: An heirloom variety, Amber Globe produces golden-yellow roots with a mild, sweet flavor. It stores well and is ideal for mashing or roasting.

13. Just Right

Tips: Plant Just Right turnips in early spring or fall for a quick-growing crop. They prefer full sun and rich, moist soil.
Facts: This variety is known for its pure white roots and crisp, mild flavor, making it perfect for fresh salads or cooking.

14. Purple Top Strap Leaf

Tips: Best grown in cool weather, this variety prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Sow seeds in early spring or fall for a late harvest.
Facts: A reliable heirloom variety, Purple Top Strap Leaf produces large, sweet roots and tender greens, making it a versatile choice.

15. Nagasaki Akari

Tips: This Japanese variety grows best in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for optimal growth.
Facts: Nagasaki Akari turnips have striking red skin and tender, white flesh. Their crisp texture and sweet flavor make them perfect for salads.

16. Market Express

Tips: Plant Market Express in early spring or late summer for a quick harvest. It thrives in cool weather and full sun.
Facts: This fast-maturing variety produces smooth, white roots with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

17. Ball Turnip

Tips: Ball turnips grow best in cool, moist conditions. Plant seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall.
Facts: This variety produces small, round, white roots with a crisp texture and mild flavor, ideal for fresh salads or roasting.

18. Topper

Tips: Topper turnips are grown primarily for their greens. Plant seeds in early spring or fall, and harvest the greens regularly.
Facts: This variety produces tender, flavorful greens that are perfect for cooking or adding to soups and salads.

19. Gold Ball

Tips: Plant Gold Ball turnips in early spring or fall for a quick harvest. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces small, golden-yellow roots with a sweet, tender flesh. It’s great for roasting, mashing, or adding to stews.

20. Alamo

Tips: Alamo turnips thrive in cool weather and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
Facts: This variety is known for its smooth, white roots and tender greens, making it a versatile choice for both fresh eating and cooking.

Common Questions About Growing Turnips

Q: When should I plant turnips?
A: Turnips grow best in cool weather, so they should be planted in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall crop. They thrive in temperatures between 40-75°F.

Q: Can I grow turnips in containers?
A: Yes, turnips can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 8-10 inches deep to accommodate the roots. Use well-drained soil and place the container in a sunny spot.

Q: How long do turnips take to grow?
A: Turnips are a fast-growing crop and can be ready for harvest in as little as 30-60 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Q: How do I harvest turnips?
A: Harvest turnips when the roots are about 2-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor. Pull the entire plant out of the soil or use a garden fork to gently lift the roots.

Q: Can I eat turnip greens?
A: Yes, turnip greens are edible and highly nutritious. You can harvest the greens while the roots are still growing or after pulling the turnips. They are delicious sautéed, added to soups, or eaten raw in salads.