Turnip – ‘Purple Top White Globe’

Growing Temp 55°F – 75°F
Days to Maturity 50-60 days

Ease of Cultivation and Culinary Use: The Purple Top White Globe turnip is a classic variety, known for its attractive purple and white coloring. It is easy to grow, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Turnips are versatile and can be eaten raw in salads, roasted, or mashed like potatoes. The young greens are also edible and can be cooked as a nutritious side dish.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, and when soil temperatures reach around 55°F. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spaced 2-4 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to about 4 inches apart once they emerge. Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained to prevent cracking and improve flavor. Turnips will mature in about 50-60 days, depending on conditions.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To get a head start, sow turnip seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds in seedling trays with a high-quality potting mix. Maintain temperatures around 60-70°F for best germination. Once the seedlings have developed their true leaves and after the risk of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors, spacing them 4 inches apart in rows. Water the seedlings well after transplanting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Harvesting: Turnips are ready to harvest when they reach about 2-3 inches in diameter. The roots should feel firm and be smooth-skinned, with their purple tops and white bottoms clearly defined. For the best flavor, harvest turnips while they are still young and tender. The greens can be harvested at any time during the growing process, but are best when they are young and tender.