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

02 Mar 18, kaya (USA - Zone 7a climate)
what is the zone for turnips?
01 Feb 17, Billy Pressley (USA - Zone 8a climate)
What is the best soil to grow turnips
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in temperate Australia which could be roughly transposed to your Zone 8. We can sow turnips from Spring until early Summer (about 8 months). Have you considered Swedes (rutabaga) which are a turnip/cabbage cross and are very flavorsome. Trust this helps.
27 Jan 17, S debono (Australia - temperate climate)
Wene is the best day in febuary 2017 to sow ternip seeds
05 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Late February and all of March and April re suitable times to sow turnips. Trust this helps.
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.
24 Mar 15, Brenda Loopuyt (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Please could you let me have info and tips about growing turnips in Summer rainfall area in South Africa
01 Dec 14, Lochleen van Schalkwyk (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I cant find turnips anywhere. Can somebody in cape town area and northern suburbs please help
13 Mar 16, hennie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
SEEDS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH MOST RETAILERS , STARK AND MAYFORD ARE THE MOST COMMON BRANDS I USE
11 Aug 14, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
If I have tilled up my tomatoes, can I plant turnips?
Showing 11 - 20 of 38 comments

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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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