Turnip Purple Top Seeds

Growing Purple Top Turnips is a straightforward and fulfilling process, as they offer both edible roots and greens. Here's how to cultivate them:

Optimal Timing
Plant in early spring for a late spring harvest or in late summer for a fall harvest, as Purple Top Turnips prefer cooler temperatures.
In USDA Zones 3-12, timing may vary, but generally, planting about 2-4 weeks before the final spring frost or 6-8 weeks before the first fall frost is recommended.

Soil Preparation
Turnips thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Ensure the soil is finely tilled and enrich it with aged compost to enhance nutrient levels.

Seeding
Directly sow seeds into the soil, burying them about 1.3 centimeters deep.
Space rows 30.5-45.7 centimeters apart, with seeds spaced approximately 2.5 centimeters apart within rows.
Once seedlings reach a height of a few centimeters, thin them to 10-15 centimeters apart to allow for proper growth.

Water Management
Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growth period, as turnips require steady watering for uniform root development.

Weed Control and Upkeep
Keep the planting area weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Applying a light layer of mulch can aid in moisture retention and weed suppression.

Harvesting
Purple Top Turnips are ready for harvest when their roots reach 5.1-7.6 centimeters in diameter, typically around 45-65 days after planting.
Carefully pull or dig around the turnips to harvest them and remember that the greens can also be harvested when young and tender.

Storage
Store turnips in a cool, dark location. If you plan to consume the greens, store them separately in the refrigerator.
Under proper storage conditions, turnip roots can remain fresh for several weeks.

Tips for Success

Rotation: To prevent soil-borne diseases, avoid planting turnips in the same area every year.

Companion Planting: Planting turnips alongside onions, garlic, and peas can help deter certain pests.

Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common pests like flea beetles and aphids. Consider using row covers to shield plants if necessary.

Growing Purple Top Turnips is relatively straightforward, offering a versatile addition to any garden. Whether roasted, mashed, or added to soups, these turnips provide both nutrition and flavor.

Harvest greens as soon as they reach a good size for eating; if using both the greens and the root, harvest only 5.1-7.6 centimeters per root. Since small turnips have the most tenderness and flavor, pull them when they reach a size of 2.5-7.6 centimeters. To store them for extended periods, cut the top down to 1.3 centimeters and store in a cool, dark place without washing off the dirt. Gardeners with warmer winters will be able to apply a layer of mulch and leave the crop in the ground all winter. Purple Top White Globe turnips store very well.

Turnips have the potential to cross-pollinate with other varieties, necessitating isolation to maintain genetic purity. This root vegetable undergoes a winter dormancy period before seed production. In regions with mild winters, applying a layer of mulch over the turnips is typically sufficient for protection against the cold. However, in areas with harsh winters, additional precautions are necessary:

☘️ Prior to the first significant freeze, carefully unearth the turnips from the soil.
☘️ Trim the tops of the turnips to approximately 2.5 centimeters to minimize moisture loss and decay.
☘️ Store the turnips in damp sand within a temperature range of 0.5-4 degrees Celsius. This environment replicates the cold, moist soil conditions necessary for natural wintering of turnips.
☘️ In spring, replant the stored turnips. They will soon produce flowering stalks as temperatures rise.
☘️ Monitor the plants as seed pods develop and begin to turn brown. To prevent premature seed dispersal due to pod shattering, either directly harvest the pods or uproot the entire plant and hang it upside down in a sheltered area to dry completely.
☘️ Thresh the seeds from the dried pods by gently crushing them to release the seeds.
☘️ Store the seeds in a cool, dry location. When properly stored, turnip seeds can remain viable for up to 4 years, ready for future planting.

By adhering to these procedures, you can effectively save turnip seeds, ensuring a continuous supply of this nutritious and versatile vegetable for your garden.

Latin Name: Brassica rapa

Type: This is an open-pollinated, heirloom variety suitable for cool-season planting.

USDA Zones: It's adaptable across a wide range of zones, from 3 through 12.

Seeds per Ounce: You'll find about 10,000 seeds in one ounce.

Planting Method: These seeds are best sown directly into the garden soil.

Sunlight: The plants thrive in both full sun and partial sun conditions.

Height: Mature plants can reach up to 61 cm in height.

Color: The turnips are notable for their distinctive white flesh and purple tops.