Growing Turnip

brassica rapa var. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P     P P      

(Best months for growing Turnip in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 54°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 5 - 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 6-9 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Chives, Spinach, Carrots, Chicory
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes, Tomatoes

Your comments and tips

10 Jun 12, Stella (Australia - tropical climate)
Hello I would like to find out how many seeds would you use 1 or a few in each hole?
05 Aug 16, Ade (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest single seed or thin out as turnips growing close in my experience get stunted, but if you want to harvest some young and leave a couple to get bigger side by side, that works fine also. Crowded they also may experience one rotting and taking others with it due to close proximity. I grow them easily in Nambour, I mean almost no effort of special care needed, they grow like weeds.
12 Aug 12, Al young (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I planted turnips in late June and by mid August they had gone to seed without producing any edible root stock. Very cold here during growing period; too cold for root development? Cheers, Al
17 Feb 13, (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Tamworth nsw (north west slopes) we would love to grow turnips ,but to date have had no luck growing them.when to plant & soil..... Anyone please
16 Mar 13, james dunn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
looking for superlative swede or turnip can you help? thanks james dunn
08 Apr 14, Sadra Sidie (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in rockhampton qld. I Have grown turnips on and off all year round.my tip is just put seeds in ground. Wet soil and blood and bone product. water twice a day. And a little bit of love. And care.
11 Jun 14, andi (Australia - tropical climate)
A fried told me to cut the top off a shop bought parsnip and stick it in the ground so the end is exposed. Within 2 weeks the plant is now approx 6 inches high and I will have to remove it from the small container I put it in (not thinking I would succeed!). Will this shock the plant,kill it,or what do u suggest?
27 Aug 15, ty_buchanan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You will probably get one turnip.
11 Aug 14, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
If I have tilled up my tomatoes, can I plant turnips?
01 Dec 14, Lochleen van Schalkwyk (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I cant find turnips anywhere. Can somebody in cape town area and northern suburbs please help
Showing 11 - 20 of 37 comments

hi, being a novice gardener , first year after retirement, i have planted numerous veg with a limited success, but turnips have been a castraphe, can't spell either, turnips have grown to the size of a jaffa orange, upon pulling 2 up one was split and both were brown inside , not right through but it put us off eating them, can you possibly advise what i have done wrong, thank you dave

- dave moss

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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