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

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.
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
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
16 Mar 13, james dunn (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
looking for superlative swede or turnip can you help? thanks james dunn
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.
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.
11 Aug 14, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
If I have tilled up my tomatoes, can I plant turnips?
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
Showing 11 - 20 of 38 comments

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