Turnip

Family: Brassicaceae Root Brassica

Silky-smooth and sweetly mild, Turnip forms a crisp, tender flesh with a clean, refreshing bite that feels luminous from the first forkful to the last.

At about 45 days, the roots swell into a neat, table-ready shape—uniform, quick to mature, and wonderfully suited to fresh salads, roasting, and quick pickling for bright, tangy contrast. Grow Turnip for a cool-season harvest that delivers both delicate flavor and satisfying crunch in every bunch.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 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 9th
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)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Table turnips hit that rare spot where they taste sweet without going starchy—crunch stays crisp in salads and turns into caramelized edges when roasted. Use vinegar and mustard to sharpen the bite, or dairy to turn their clean brassica note into something silky and comforting.

Best Uses

shaved or thin-sliced raw salads with a sharp vinaigrette
roasted wedges with browned edges and buttery sweetness
quick pickling for bright, tangy crunch
creamed turnip or purée-style mash for smooth comfort

Flavor Profile

sweet-mild brassica flavor crisp, juicy bite with tender center clean, refreshing finish

Kitchen Pairings

butter apple cider vinegar mustard fresh dill yogurt or crème fraîche smoked bacon or ham

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Brassica rapa (turnip) and how do I control it?

Turnips are often hit by flea beetles, which create tiny shot holes in leaves, and that leaf damage can stunt root development. Cover seedlings with floating row cover immediately after sowing and keep it on until the plants are well established; for heavier pressure, remove the worst-affected leaves and use an insecticidal soap on the undersides of leaves in the cool part of the day. Watch also for clubroot (galling/swelling on roots) and avoid planting Brassica rapa in the same bed for several years if you see symptoms.

How often should I water Brassica rapa during the main growing phase for best root size?

During bulking (after plants have formed a few true leaves), keep the soil evenly moist with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall so the soil doesn’t dry out completely between waterings. Mulch lightly after roots start swelling to reduce moisture swings; inconsistent watering can lead to cracked, woody, or pithy roots.

How can I tell when turnips (Brassica rapa) are ready to harvest?

Harvest baby turnips at roughly 35–45 days when roots are about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across and the tops are still tender. For larger roots, harvest near the full 45-day window when the diameter reaches about 3 inches (7–8 cm), before they become tough and strong-flavored. If you can see the root shoulders at the soil line, you can lift one to check size and texture.