Have you ever thought about the quick growth of turnips? Turnips grow faster than most root veggies. But how long does it take for them to mature?
Understanding Turnip Growth
Turnips are a delicious root veggie with many types to grow. There are early turnips and maincrop turnips. They vary in when you plant them and when they are ready to harvest.
Early turnips go in the ground in late winter or early spring. Maincrop turnips are planted in summer. These are ready to eat in the fall.
Turnip roots come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Some kinds also have tasty leaves. Turnips do best in well-draining, rich soil. Adding manure or compost in the fall is a good idea before planting.
Getting the soil ready is important for growing turnips. The soil needs to be loose and drain well. Mixing in compost or manure makes it perfect for turnips.
| Turnip Variety | Sowing Time | Harvest Time |
|---|---|---|
| Early Turnips | Late Winter/Early Spring | 6-8 weeks after sowing |
| Maincrop Turnips | Summer | 8-10 weeks after sowing |
Gardeners who know the best soil for turnips can have a great harvest. With the right care, turnips can grow well. They make any meal tastier.
How Long Does It Take for Turnips to Grow
Turnips are a fast-growing root vegetable you can grow and harvest all year. The time it takes for turnips to grow and be ready varies. With the right care, you can get a lot of turnips in a short time.
Early turnip types like Seven Top and Tokyo Cross are planted from March to June. They are ready to eat during summer. Maincrop turnips such as Purple Top and White Globe are planted from July to mid-August. They are harvested in the fall.
Experts say you should plant turnips two to three weeks before the last frost in your area. Doing this means the plants can start growing before it gets too hot. Planting seeds every few weeks helps you get turnips through a longer growing season.
Turnips mature quickly, usually in about 5 weeks, depending on the type. They are a great choice for those who want a fast-growing vegetable. Growing turnips lets gardeners and farmers make the most of their growing season.
In conclusion, the time for turnips to grow can be short with the right planning. By planting at different times, you can have turnips for an extended period. This method provides a steady supply of this nutritious vegetable all season long.
Planting and Caring for Turnips
Growing delicious turnips is easy but needs attention to details. This includes when to sow, how to thin them, and making sure they get enough water. By sticking to these steps, anyone can grow a lot of turnips.
Sow turnip seeds either in early spring or late summer. Make shallow drills, about 1 inch deep. Space them 18 to 30 inches apart. Sprinkle the seeds lightly before covering them with soil. For smaller turnips, use containers for planting. The best soil temperature for the seeds to quickly sprout is 60°F. You might see them coming up in just 10 days.
When the turnip plants reach about 4 inches tall, thin them out. Leave 4 to 6 inches between each plant. This helps their roots grow well. Without enough space, turnips will be small and hard.
Water your turnip plants regularly. They need 1 to 2 inches of water every week, especially if it's not raining. Adding straw around them as mulch helps keep the soil moist. It also stops the roots from turning hard.
Keep pests and diseases away with a few tricks. Plant nasturtiums near your turnips to scare off cabbage white butterflies. Mint can keep flea beetles at bay. Adding lime to the soil can prevent club root disease by improving soil drainage.
Stick to these steps on sowing turnip seeds and growing turnips. You'll be rewarded with a big crop of these healthy, root vegetables.
Harvesting Turnips
Harvesting turnips at the right time is key for great taste. Turnip roots are tastiest when small, like a golf or tennis ball. This usually happens 5-10 weeks after planting, depending on the type. Bigger turnips might need more time to grow fully.
Don't forget about the greens. Turnip leaves have a peppery taste and can be added to salads or stir-fries. When picking the leaves, cut them at the base. Be careful not to harm the growing root.
One advantage of turnips is they can stay in the ground after light frosts. This means you can harvest them when you need more, giving you fresh turnips for a longer time. Keep harvested turnips in a cool, frost-free place like a root cellar. They can keep for weeks this way.
| Pest or Disease | Description | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Cause discoloration of leaves, necrotic spots, and stunted growth. | Use tolerant varieties, encourage natural predators, and apply insecticidal soap. |
| Wireworms | Damage seedlings and cause girdled stems, impacting turnip growth. | Practice crop rotation, till the soil, and use row covers. |
| Root Maggots | Create scars on turnip surfaces and extensive root damage. | Use floating row covers, practice crop rotation, and apply nematodes. |
| Alternaria Leaf Spot | Causes small, dark spots that turn brown or gray on leaves. | Use pathogen-free seeds, rotate crops, and apply fungicides. |
| Clubroot | Results in slow/stunted plants with yellowing leaves that wilt during the day. | Maintain soil pH, use resistant varieties, and avoid wet conditions. |
| Downy Mildew | Creates lesions on leaf surfaces and white growth on leaf bottoms. | Plant in well-drained soil, use resistant varieties, and apply fungicides. |
Knowing when and how to harvest turnips means you get a tasty, plentiful crop. Whether you want the roots, leaves, or both, the key is timing and method.
Conclusion
Turnips are quick to grow, making them a great choice for gardens. Depending on the type, they can be ready in just five weeks. You can harvest some in the summer and others in the fall.
To grow turnips well, prepare the soil, water them regularly, and plant them right. You can eat both the roots and the leaves. This makes turnips a valuable addition to any garden.
There are many reasons to grow turnips. They're low in calories and have health benefits. Turnips can survive in cold weather and different soils. This makes them perfect for all gardeners, whether beginners or experts. They grow fast and are full of nutrients.
Maybe you want to eat healthier or enjoy growing your food. Turnips are a top choice. With good care, they can give you plenty of food throughout the year.
