Organic Turnip

Organic Turnip Seeds feature Brassica rapa subsp. rapa for crisp roots and tender greens, thriving in sun and loose, well-drained soil; direct sow as soon as soil is workable, container-suitable.
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Cool-season roots for spring and autumn harvests

This collection showcases Brassica rapa subsp. rapa in organic form, offering a dependable root vegetable for cool conditions. From smooth salad turnips such as hakurei turnip to classic purple top types, selections span tender roots and flavorful turnip greens for varied kitchen use. As part of the brassica family, these choices support organic gardening goals with open-pollinated and heirloom lines alongside Non-GMO Turnip Seeds. The range of Organic Turnip Seeds is curated for direct sowing and steady performance, with options that mature quickly for fresh slicing or develop into denser bulbs ideal for cooking. Blends of Heirloom Turnip Seeds and Organic Brassica rapa Seeds ensure diversity, while Certified Organic Turnip Seeds emphasise purity and reliable growth.

As a cool-season crop, Organic Turnip Seeds are best direct sown as soon as soil is workable in spring, with additional sowings in late summer for an autumn harvest; in mild climates, autumn sowing may extend further. Full sun promotes robust tops and well-formed roots, though light shade is tolerated during warmer spells. Succession planting helps maintain a rolling harvest, and thinning seedlings encourages uniformity. Consistent moisture, gentle mulching, and mindful crop rotation can support quality roots and reduce bolting pressure. Where needed, a light row cover may protect young foliage from flea beetles, helping greens stay pristine while bulbs size up beneath the surface.

In the kitchen, this category delivers versatility: crisp salad turnips for raw dishes and quick sautΓ©s, classic roots for roasting, braising, or mashing, and tender greens that enrich soups and stir-fries. Compact types from Open-pollinated Turnip Seeds and Organic Salad Turnip Seeds adapt well to deep containers, suiting patios and small spaces without sacrificing yield potential. By choosing Organic Turnip Seeds, plantings align with cool-season timing and organic principles, offering dependable harvests from early spring through the heart of autumn.

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

This navigator connects the parent collection and closely related organic seed categories, making it easy to move between root, leaf, and brassica types suited to similar soil and spacing needs. Sowing windows vary by climate; start after the last frost in cool seasons, while in mild areas late summer to autumn sowings may be possible. Each link points to a focused assortment within the wider Organic Seeds range.

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

As a cool-season root vegetable, turnips grow best in full sun, tolerating light shade during warmer spells. Direct sow as soon as soil is workable in spring, then again in late summer for an autumn harvest; in mild climates, autumn-to-winter sowing may be possible. Choose loose, fertile, well-drained loam with consistent moisture and a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Keep evenly watered to support steady root swelling and tender turnip greens. Thin seedlings to about 5–10 cm between plants (wider for larger roots), with rows roughly 25–30 cm apart. Practice organic gardening and succession planting for reliable yields, and monitor for flea beetles; a fine row cover can safeguard young foliage.

  • Direct sow 6–12 mm deep in a fine, firm seedbed; maintain moisture for even emergence and thin early to final spacing.
  • Rotate away from the brassica family for 3+ years and keep soil near neutral to help limit clubroot issues.
  • Use lightweight row cover to deter flea beetles and reduce early leaf damage.
  • Apply a light organic mulch once established to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and ease bolting pressure in warming weather.
  • Suitable for containers: use a 20–30 cm deep planter; compact β€œsalad turnips” (e.g., hakurei types) perform well when harvested young.
  • Edible: harvest both roots and tender turnip greens; pick greens selectively to avoid checking root development.

When should I sow Organic Turnip Seeds outdoors?

Turnips are a cool-season crop, so direct sow as soon as the soil is workable in spring and not waterlogged. Light frosts are generally tolerated, but prolonged hard freezes may slow growth. For an autumn harvest, sow again in late summer once the intense heat eases; in mild climates, autumn to winter sowing may be possible. Use succession planting every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply, pausing during peak heat to limit bolting and pithy roots and resuming as temperatures moderate. Most salad turnips mature in roughly 30–45 days, with larger storage types often taking 50–65 days.

How do you grow organic turnips from seed successfully?

Choose full sun for best roots, though light shade helps in warmer periods. Prepare a loose, fertile, well-drained loam, neutral to slightly acidic, enriched with mature compost; remove stones and clods to prevent misshapen roots and avoid fresh manure. Direct sow shallowly, keep the seedbed evenly moist, and thin promptly for proper spacing. Maintain consistent moisture to support steady growth and mulch to moderate soil temperature. Practice crop rotation away from the brassica family to reduce disease carryover, and consider a lightweight row cover to protect young foliage from flea beetles while preserving organic gardening methods.

How deep should I plant turnip seeds, and how far apart should seedlings be thinned?

Sow seeds about 0.5–1 cm (roughly 1/4–3/8 in) deep in rows spaced around 25–30 cm (10–12 in) apart. Once seedlings establish, thin to approximately 5–10 cm (2–4 in) between plants, using wider spacing for larger roots. Salad turnips can be kept on the closer end, while purple top types benefit from extra room. For baby greens, denser stands are fine, thinning gradually for tender leaves and leaving final spacings appropriate for any roots you plan to mature. Thinning early helps reduce competition, encourages uniform bulbs, and improves airflow.

What soil conditions suit turnips for reliable roots and greens?

Turnips favor loose, fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture and a neutral to slightly acidic reaction. Aim for a fine, stone-free tilth so roots can expand evenly. Incorporate well-rotted organic matter to boost structure and water-holding without causing soggy conditions; overly wet or compacted soils can stunt growth and invite issues. Steady moisture is importantβ€”uneven watering can cause bitterness, cracking, or woody textureβ€”so mulching is helpful. Good drainage and rotation reduce the risk of soilborne diseases like clubroot; look for varieties noted for clubroot resistance if this has been a concern.

Can turnips be grown in containers from seed?

Yes, container growing suits fast-maturing salad turnips and tender greens. Use a wide container at least 20–25 cm (8–10 in) deep with drainage holes and a high-quality, well-draining, fertile mix. Sow thinly, then thin to 5–8 cm (2–3 in) for small roots, a bit wider for larger bulbs; for greens, closer spacing is acceptable with regular harvests. Place in full sun and maintain consistent moisture, as pots dry quickly; avoid waterlogging. A light organic feed can support longer runs, and mulching the surface helps regulate moisture. Row covers can still be used to deter flea beetles.

What are common turnip pests and how can I manage them organically?

Flea beetles often stipple young leaves; a lightweight row cover from sowing, plus steady moisture and mulching, helps reduce stress and damage. Aphids can be dislodged with water or managed by encouraging beneficial insects. Where root maggots occur, covering beds at sowing and keeping soil evenly moist are useful tactics. Practice crop rotation for several years away from the brassica family, clear plant debris promptly, and avoid overfertilizing with fresh manure. To lower disease pressure such as clubroot, maintain good drainage, rotate diligently, and select varieties advertised with clubroot resistance when available.

Seeds are sourced from vetted producers and packed to meet applicable quality and phytosanitary standards. Lots are routinely tested for germination and purity, and labeling reflects current regulatory expectations. Import, transit, and planting requirements vary by locality. Guidance provided is general and may differ with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere. Product pages carry specific instructions and compliance details based on current supplier documentation.

Cool-season roots for spring and autumn harvests

Organic Turnip Seeds offer crisp, fast-growing roots and tender greens suited to cool conditions. Sow as soon as soil can be worked in early spring, or late summer for an autumn harvest; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for winter picking. Choose loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost, and keep moisture even to prevent pithy centers. Direct sow thinly, cover lightly, and thin seedlings to 2–4 inches for bulb development; wider spacing produces larger roots. Most varieties mature in 30–60 days, with the best texture at golf-ball to small-tennis-ball size. Light frost often enhances sweetness, while prolonged heat can toughen roots and spur bolting. Harvest promptly for smooth skins and store unwashed in cool, humid conditions. Young greens add peppery flavor to sautΓ©s and salads, making full use of the plant. For more certified selections across root and leaf types, explore Organic Seeds.