Noordhollandse Bloedrode

Family: Brassicaceae Root Brassica

A velvet-deep, blood-red shoulder blushes above the soil, then fades to a clean, pale interior that feels tender and sweet when you lift it from the ground.

Noordhollandse Bloedrode forms a compact, globe-to-flattened turnip with crisp, fine-grained texture—ideal for roasting until caramel-soft, or for fresh slicing when you want a bright, peppery snap. Grow it for the striking color that steals the show in the garden and delivers a richly flavored table turnip at about 55 days.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Taproot

Botanical illustration of Noordhollandse Bloedrode

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This blood-red table turnip gives you a crisp, peppery jolt on the raw bite, but it turns plush and sweet when you roast it—caramel soft at the edges, still holding shape. The fine grain means less fibrous chewing than many bulk turnips, so it’s great for both fast slicing and hot-pan browning.

Best Uses

roast wedges until caramel-soft with a velvety edge
quick-pickled slices for a crunchy, vinegar snap
thin raw rounds on buttered bread to keep the peppery snap
braise in stock until just tender, then finish with acidity

Flavor Profile

bright peppery turnip bite tender, fine-grained crispness sweet, caramelizable roast flavor clean pale-core contrast to blood-red skin

Kitchen Pairings

butter vinegar mustard black pepper smoked pork carrots

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Brassica rapa (noordhollandse bloedrode turnip), and how can I control it?

Turnip (Brassica rapa) is frequently hit by cabbage moth/butterfly larvae (caterpillars) and aphids, which can stunt growth and chew leaves early. Inspect plants every 2–3 days and remove any caterpillars by hand; for protection, cover beds with fine insect netting after sowing. If aphids appear, blast them off with water and spray insecticidal soap, targeting the undersides of leaves.

How often should I water Brassica rapa during the main growing phase to get good roots?

During active leaf and root swelling, keep the soil consistently evenly moist, aiming for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total (more during heat, less during cool rainy spells). Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings—avoid soggy soil, which can lead to root problems and slow growth. Mulch lightly to reduce drying fluctuations that can cause woody or pithy roots.

How do I know when Noordhollandse Bloedrode turnips are ready to harvest?

Harvest when roots reach a usable size and the skin is firm—typically around 55 days from sowing for this crop. Use a gentle pull or loosen the soil around the crown and check one plant; if the root is still small, give the rest a few more days. Don’t leave them too long, because oversized roots can become tough and more pungent.