Turnips are cool-weather vegetables that can be grown both in spring and fall , avoiding the hot summer months. They mature very rapidly and you can enjoy both the greens and the roots. Try this ancient root vegetable that’s been grown for over 3,000 years!
Do turnip greens come from turnips?
Turnip greens are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, as are kale and broccoli. They are high in nutrients and low in calories. Both the root and the leaves of the turnip are edible, but turnip greens refer specifically to the stem and leafy green part of the plant .
Can you grow a turnip from a turnip?
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.
How long does it take to grow a turnip from a seed?
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.
Can you eat raw turnips?
Raw or cooked, turnips are incredibly versatile: Boil or steam turnips and add them to mashed potatoes for extra vitamins and minerals. Grate them raw into salads or slaws . Roast them with other root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, and bring out their natural sweetness.
What month do you plant turnips?
Plant your fall turnip greens from late August to October ; for a spring crop, plant 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Space these easy-to-grow greens 6 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
Should turnip seeds be soaked 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.
What can you not plant with turnips?
Do not plant turnips near other root crops such as parsnips , carrots, potatoes, or beets because they compete for the same nutrients in the soil.
Do turnips come back every year?
The brassica family includes crops such as radish, kale, rutabaga, rapeseed, and broccoli. Like others in this vast family, turnips are a cool season annual and grow best during the cooler periods of the year.
How do you get the bitterness out of turnips?
Fill a stockpot with water and bring it to a boil on medium heat. Cut a medium-size potato in half. Add the turnip chunks and the halved potato to the boiling water . The potato will help eliminate the bad taste by absorbing the bitter flavor from the turnips.
Are turnips a Superfood?
A very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and manganese . The turnip greens are a super food and packed with nutrients. They are a good source of protein, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, iron, and phosphorus.
Are turnips good for lungs?
They play a significant role in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s DASH diet, which medical experts have designed to bring down blood pressure. Turnips also provide potassium , which may help lower blood pressure by releasing sodium from the body and helping arteries dilate.
What is the best fertilizer for turnips?
- 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 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.
How can you tell when turnips are ready to harvest?
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.
How long does it take for purple top turnips to sprout?
The seeds should germinate in 3 to 10 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F (21C) or thereabouts; germination will take longer in colder soil. Optimum soil temperature to grow turnips is 60°F (16°C).
