Tokyo Market

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Crisp as fresh-cut glass, Tokyo Market turnips bring a bright, peppery snap with a gently sweet finish—an irresistible bite that shines in salads.

At about 45 days, the roots form smooth, globe-to-flattened shapes with creamy white skins and a tender, fine-grained texture that stays pleasantly crisp. Grow Tokyo Market for fresh eating and quick pickling, where its lively flavor adds instant zing to every bowl.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 2nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
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)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Tokyo Market is a salad-turnip built for raw impact—its fine, tender interior holds crunch instead of going mealy. Use it shaved or quick-pickled so that peppery bite cuts through fat-rich dressings like yogurt or feta.

Best Uses

thinly shaved salad turnip ribbons under acidic vinaigrette
quick pickles where the crisp survives the brine bite
lightly dressed crudités tray with yogurt or herb sauce
raw toast points/tartines where it adds crunch without turning watery

Flavor Profile

bright, peppery snap gentle sweetness fine-grained tenderness with a glassy crisp

Kitchen Pairings

lemon white miso feta yogurt chile oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Brassica rapa (Hakurei/Tokyo Market) and how can I control it at home?

Watch for flea beetles, which create small shot-holes in the leaves and can stunt young Tokyo Market plants. Use floating row cover from sowing until plants are well-established, then remove covers only for thinning or maintenance; you can also use insecticidal soap on the undersides when beetles first appear. If you see yellowing and wilt that worsens in cool, wet weather, suspect clubroot and avoid planting Brassicaceae in that soil for several years; lime only if your soil test indicates acidity and improve drainage before replanting.

How often should I water Tokyo Market (Brassica rapa var. rapa) during the main growing phase?

From about 2 weeks after sowing through bulking, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for damp soil consistently at the 2–3 in depth. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil type, increasing to more frequent light watering during dry spells. If the soil dries out and then soaks, roots can become pithy and bitter faster.

How do I tell when Tokyo Market is ready to harvest?

Start checking around 40–45 days after sowing; Tokyo Market is best when the roots are small-to-medium and reach about the size of a thumb to slightly larger. The tops should look lush and turgid, and the root should feel firm under the soil—avoid waiting until leaves turn stressed, because prolonged growth can lead to tougher, spicier roots. Harvest in the morning for crisp roots, then trim leaves and rinse to reduce soil left in the crowns.