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  

(Best months for growing Turnip in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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 12°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 12 - 20 cm 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

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.
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.
16 Mar 13, james dunn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
looking for superlative swede or turnip can you help? thanks james dunn
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
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
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.
08 Jan 11, Robin (Australia - arid climate)
Is there any way to freeze turnip by cooking in some way or?
26 May 11, Ian (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Robin, Yes, you can freeze turnips successfully, but, as with all vegetables you are going to freeze, you must blanch first. Plunge them in boiling water for about 1 minute then refresh in cold. Dry them and they are ready to freeze. Equally successful with broccoli, cabbage, beans etc. Remember - NEVER freeze without blanching first. Good luck!
Showing 21 - 30 of 38 comments

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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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. GardenGrow 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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