How To Grow Turnip Greens

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 long does it take to grow turnip greens?

The cool-weather plants will tolerate frosts, but get tough and bitter in hot weather; making them best planted in late spring and early summer, and again in late summer and fall. Because the plants are ready to harvest within six or eight weeks, for the longest fresh harvest plant new seeds every two or three weeks.

Will turnip greens grow back?

Turnips planted near one another produce loads of greens if the greens are picked frequently. New growth sprouts up after each picking. You can pick the leaves individually by hand or cut them in bunches with a knife. If cut back to 2 inches from the top of the root, new leaves will appear in two to three weeks.

What’s the best time to plant turnip greens?

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. Like collards, kale, and other greens, turnip greens need to grow fast to produce nice, tender leaves.

Do turnips need full 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.

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.

What is a good companion plant for turnips?

Turnips Are Terrific Companions Squash, tomatoes, celery, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, onions, garlic, lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, cauliflower, and radishes all flourish when planted interspersed with turnips. Turnips are “best buddies” with nitrogen-fixing peas.

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.

Are turnip leaves poisonous?

Growing Turnip Greens Turnip leaves are not toxic, and in fact, this root crop is also often grown for its tasty greens. Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove all the garden dirt and grit and serve them cooked or add the raw greens to a salad.

Can you eat purple top turnip greens?

Some gardeners grow varieties developed specifically for their tender, slightly hairy leaves, called turnip greens, which loaded with vitamins A, B, C, and K, folate, iron, calcium, and thiamine. The young ones can be eaten raw, while older leaves are cooked like spinach or kale.

How do I know when to pick my turnip greens?

Harvest the Greens I love turnip greens. The reason is you can harvest the greens multiple times while the turnips are still growing. When the green leaves get to be the size of a medium leaf or so, then they are ready to pick. Some people enjoy them when they are very young because of how tender they are.

Do you soak turnip seeds before planting?

Still, I like to mix in standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer, watered in well, before planting turnip seeds. Additionally, deeply soaking the prepared bed helps encourage strong germination. In beds or rows, the only trick to getting turnip seeds to germinate is to keep them moist for about three days.

How tall do turnip greens grow?

12-14 inches Spacing: 4-6 inches Mustard, other brassicas Planting Depth: 1/2 inch Brassicaceae Height: 12-14 inches Brassica Spread: 3-6 inches, rows 12 inches apart B. rapa Tolerance: Nutrient rich soil B. rapa subsp. rapa.

How deep do you plant turnip greens?

Sow seed directly in the garden ½ inch (12mm) deep and 1 inch (2.5cm) apart in wide rows, thin successful seedlings from 4 to 6 inches (10-15cm) apart. Space wide rows 12 to 24 inches (30-61cm) apart. Thin turnips grown for greens from 2 to 3 inches (5-7cm) apart. Companion plants.

How often do you water turnips?

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.

Do turnips bloom?

Turnips are biennial plants that are grown as annuals because, after overwintering, they flower and form seeds in their second year. However, turnips can be tricked into flowering in the spring of their first year by a cold snap followed by warm weather.

Why are my turnip greens turning yellow?

Turnips and related vegetables are susceptible to a manganese deficiency. This type of deficiency is indicated by a general yellowing of foliage that first appears in the middle of the growing season.

Can I transplant turnip seedlings?

Turnips do not transplant well; start seeds directly in the garden. Plant seeds 1 inch apart and ¼ – ½ inch deep. Turnip seeds germinate quickly. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart (depending on the variety) when they are 2-3 inches tall.

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.

Do turnips need frost?

Because turnip plants grow best in cool temperatures, and can tolerate frost and light freezes, seeds are best sown in late winter or spring for harvest before it gets very hot and roots get tough and bitter, or in the late summer or fall to harvest before a hard freeze kills the plants.

How cold can turnips stand?

Turnips prefer to be stored in conditions that are as close to 32 degrees Fahrenheit as possible. A refrigerator works, as does a root cellar if it is quite cold and fairly humid — 95 percent humidity is best. Turnips may also be dipped in warm wax to coat them entirely.

Will turnips grow in wet soil?

Turnips will tolerate damp soil.