Tokyo Cross

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Tender, fast-growing Tokyo Cross turnips arrive with a clean, sweet bite and a pleasantly crisp, juicy texture—ideal when you want a quick harvest that still feels special.

Their tops form a neat rosette and the roots mature in about 50 days, developing a smooth, bright finish that roasts beautifully for caramelized edges, or shines fresh for crisp salads and vibrant slaws. Grow Tokyo Cross for reliable, uniform roots that lend themselves to pickling and quick sauces, bringing a gentle turnip sweetness to every bowl.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Rosette

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 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
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

Tokyo Cross is the turnip you want when you need sweetness up front and a crisp, juicy bite that doesn’t collapse under a quick toss. Roast it just long enough for caramelized edges, or pickle it and let the acidity sharpen that gentle brassica snap.

Best Uses

fresh shaved or thin-sliced salads and slaws where it stays snappy
quick pickles for a crisp, lightly sweet tang
roasting or pan-searing for caramelized edges
fast warm sauces where it softens without turning mealy

Flavor Profile

clean, sweet turnip bite crisp, juicy crunch gentle brassica snap with a bright finish roasty caramel edges when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

mustard apple cider vinegar butter honey smoked bacon soy sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most likely on Brassica rapa var. rapa (Tokyo Cross), and how do I control it?

Watch for cabbage aphids and flea beetles, which chew small holes in leaves and can stunt plants fast in warm weather. Spray insecticidal soap (or a strong jet of water for aphids) and cover seedlings with a lightweight row cover until they’re well established to stop flea beetles. If you see soft, foul-smelling rot or persistent wilting, remove affected plants and avoid keeping the soil constantly wet—Brassicaceae roots decline quickly when moisture is excessive.

How often should I water Tokyo Cross during its main growth (about weeks 3–6)?

Keep the root zone evenly moist, aiming for lightly moist soil rather than waterlogged beds; a good target is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil dries out, then don’t let it swing between bone-dry and soggy. Inconsistent moisture during leaf and root expansion can lead to pithiness and poor texture.

How can I tell when Tokyo Cross (Brassica rapa var. rapa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 50 days when roots are about golf-ball to tennis-ball size and the tops look vigorous but not overly stretched. For best quality, pull one plant early and check—if the root feels firm and smooth with minimal sponginess, harvest the rest. If roots sit too long, they can become tougher and more prone to splitting.