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     P P P P P

(Best months for growing Turnip in Australia - sub-tropical 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
  • Turnips

Round, root vegetable. The flesh is white. Turnips take about 6 to 10 weeks to reach a use-able size.

Sow every three or four weeks for a continuous supply.

Water regularly.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Turnip

Grate young turnips and use raw in salads.
Use older turnips in casseroles and stews.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
25 Sep 22, david lilliman (Australia - temperate climate)
what is the best way to store parsnips and turnips.
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27 Jan 17, S debono (Australia - temperate climate)
Wene is the best day in febuary 2017 to sow ternip seeds
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05 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Late February and all of March and April re suitable times to sow turnips. Trust this helps.
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10 May 16, Clive (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all. Can anyone tell me the best fertilizer to use on Turnips; at planting and ongoing. I grow all my vegies in plastic containers and 2m x 1.5m timber boxes, using a mix of garden soil and potting mix. Never sure whether I should use composted Manure or granulated fertilizer? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Clive.
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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?
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27 Aug 15, ty_buchanan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You will probably get one turnip.
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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.
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16 Mar 13, james dunn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
looking for superlative swede or turnip can you help? thanks james dunn
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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
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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
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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?

- andi

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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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