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They grow best in full sun and well-drained, moderately-fertile soils. Sow seed thinly across the soil, rake and tamp gently to cover seeds no more than about a quarter of an inch, and water lightly to get seeds starting to germinate. In warm soils seeds should come up within two weeks.
How long does it take for purple top turnips to grow?
Depending on variety and whether you are growing for tops (greens), small tender roots, or larger roots to store, turnips take from five weeks to two months from planting seed to harvest.
What is the best fertilizer for turnips?
To get the biggest, tastiest turnips in your home garden, amend your soil with nutrient-rich fertilizer before and after planting. Spread 2 to 4 inches of composted organic matter over 100 square feet of soil. Apply 2 to 4 cups of all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, 10-20-10 or 16-16-8, per 100 square feet.
Do purple top turnips need a lot of sun?
Turnips generally require a full sun location but will tolerate partial shade, especially if you plan on harvesting the plant for its greens. Preparing the bed to grow turnip plants in is easy. Just rake and hoe it as usual for planting.
What month do you plant turnips?
Turnip greens are easy to grow in any well-drained soil. Set out turnip green plants 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring and from late August to October for a fall crop in most areas. In zones 9 and 10 they can be planted throughout fall and winter.
How much water do turnips need?
Turnips do not need much care, but consistent soil moisture is important. Water regularly to keep soil lightly moist; 1 inch per week should prevent roots from becoming tough and bitter.
What is the best fertilizer for purple top turnips?
An all-purpose fertilizer (such as 12-12-12) can be applied at planting but for best results, conduct a soil test prior to applying any fertilizer for the best rate recommendations. Purple Top Turnips in your food plots will not disappoint.
What to plant after turnips?
Turnips are natural aphid repellents, protecting a wide variety of garden crops that are vulnerable to aphid invasion. Squash, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, onions, garlic, lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, cauliflower, and radishes all flourish when planted interspersed with turnips.
Do turnips need lime?
Turnips grow best in mildly acidic soils, with an ideal pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If necessary, you can raise the pH of your soil by incorporating lime into the soil. You can also lower the pH by incorporating sulfur or a sulfur compound like aluminum sulfate.
How long does it take for turnips to grow?
Most turnip varieties produce greens in 40 days. Turnip roots generally take 50 to 60 days to produce. Harvest turnip greens by pulling the entire plant when the leaves are 4 to 6 inches long (Fig.
Do turnips come back every year?
A true biennial, the turnip requires a vernalization, or cooling period, before producing blooms and seeds in its second year.
How deep do turnip roots grow?
Small turnip roots can be grown in wide containers at least 8 inches (20cm) deep.
How long does it take beets to grow?
Beets should be ready to harvest 7 to 8 weeks after they are planted. Young, tender tops often have a mild quality, but the greens can be used until they get large and strong flavored. Young plants can be cooked with the root and top together, or you can use the root alone when it is the size of a golf ball or larger.
Will purple top turnips grow in shade?
Turnips, like all root vegetables, grow best in full sun, at least 6 hours a day, but will tolerate partial shade. The more time spent under shade, however, the slower your turnips will grow, and you may end up with smaller bulbs.
Why are my turnips not growing?
Heavy Soil: Turnips prefer fairly light soil. If your soil is too heavy, dense, or rocky, the root may not develop well. Depending on your conditions, you may find your turnips do better in a raised bed filled with quality soil. Transplantation: Turnips have little tolerance for transplanting.
Will turnips grow in hot weather?
The seeds require 50 F temperatures to germinate, and the roots grow the most toward the end of their development in soil temperatures between 40 and 60 F. Summer temperatures in temperate Mediterranean climates, however, facilitate turnip growth just fine.
Do Turnips grow above ground?
Turnips are root crops and members of the mustard family with a long history of human cultivation. Plants have slightly hairy green leaves, small yellow flowers, and white or yellow bulbs, with tops that can turn purple or green when exposed to sunlight as they grow above the soil.
Can you grow turnips from the tops?
The University of Nevada Extension points out that root vegetables like a turnip will regrow from the saved top. Place the turnip top with the cut side down in 1 inch of water and set it in full sun. After new roots appear, plant the turnip in a rich, loose potting mix. Keep the turnip plant moist, but not waterlogged.
What kind of soil do turnips like?
Soil. Turnips prefer a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. Good soil fertility will help them grow quickly. Make sure the soil is well-draining so the roots don’t rot.
At what temperature do turnips germinate?
Germination temperature: 45 F to 85 F – Will germinate at soil temperatures as low as 40 F. Seed can be saved 4 years. Maintenance and care: From early spring to late summer, sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
How do you know when turnips are ready?
Turnips are ready to harvest 40 to 55 days after planting. If harvesting the leaves, they are ready when they reach 4-6 inches in height. If only harvesting the leaves, cut them from the plant when they reach the desired size, leaving 1 inch of leaves above the crown of the plant. More leaves will grow in their place.
