Purple Top White Globe Turnip Growing Guide

Purple Top White Globe Turnip (Brassica rapa) is a classic, heirloom variety known for its attractive appearance and excellent flavor. This turnip variety has a distinctive purple top and a white globe-shaped root, making it a favorite for both gardeners and cooks. Purple Top White Globe Turnips are versatile, easy to grow, and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, either raw or cooked.

    

Planting Purple Top White Globe Turnip

Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Turnips grow best in cool weather, so a spot with some afternoon shade can be beneficial in warmer climates.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Turnips thrive in loose, fertile soil, so amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Avoid rocky or compacted soil, as it can cause misshapen roots.

When to Plant: Purple Top White Globe Turnips are a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Sow seeds directly in the garden 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring, or 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost date in fall.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. Thin seedlings to 3-6 inches apart once they are a few inches tall to allow enough space for the roots to develop.

 

Caring for Purple Top White Globe Turnip

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Turnips need regular watering, especially during dry periods, to ensure even moisture. Watering deeply encourages proper root development. Avoid letting the soil dry out, as this can cause the roots to become tough or woody.

Fertilization: Turnips benefit from a nutrient-rich soil but do not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time. If growth appears slow or leaves are pale, side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer.

Mulching and Weeding: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent. Mulch also helps prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves, which can reduce the risk of disease. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of the turnips.

Pest and Disease Management: Turnips can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and root maggots. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or floating row covers to protect young plants. Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and clubroot.

 

Harvesting Purple Top White Globe Turnip

When to Harvest: Purple Top White Globe Turnips are typically ready to harvest 50-70 days after planting. Harvest when the roots are 2-4 inches in diameter for the best flavor and texture. Younger, smaller turnips are more tender and have a milder flavor.

How to Harvest: Loosen the soil around the roots with a garden fork or trowel before gently pulling the turnips out of the ground. Be careful not to damage the roots during harvesting. Turnip greens can also be harvested when they are young and tender, either by cutting them from the plant or pulling up the entire plant.

 

Storing and Using Purple Top White Globe Turnip

Storing Fresh Turnips: Freshly harvested turnips can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Trim the greens off the turnips to prevent moisture loss before storing them in a plastic bag or container. Turnips can also be stored in a cool, dark place like a root cellar for several months.

Culinary Uses: Purple Top White Globe Turnips are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be eaten raw in salads, roasted, boiled, mashed, or added to soups and stews. The turnip greens are also edible and can be cooked like spinach or collard greens.

 

Growing Tips

Companion Planting: Plant turnips alongside peas, beans, and radishes. Avoid planting near potatoes, as they can attract similar pests.

Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. This ensures a steady supply of fresh turnips from spring through fall.

Temperature Management: Turnips thrive in cooler temperatures and can become tough and bitter if exposed to prolonged heat. Provide shade during the hottest part of the day, or use shade cloth to protect the plants in warmer climates.

Soil Preparation: Turnips prefer rich, well-drained soil. Before planting, work in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure.

 

Growing Purple Top White Globe Turnips in your garden ensures a steady supply of crisp, flavorful turnips perfect for fresh eating and cooking. Enjoy the delicious taste and versatility of this easy-to-grow, cool-season vegetable!