Turnip
Brassica rapa
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Description
Turnip (Brassica rapa) is a versatile root vegetable valued in agroecology for its role in soil improvement and ecosystem function. As a biennial plant often grown as an annual, it forms a rosette of leaves and a fleshy, bulbous root. Turnips are excellent for breaking up compacted soils and enhancing nutrient cycling due to their deep root systems. They serve as effective cover crops, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion. In regenerative agriculture, turnips are integrated into crop rotations to maintain soil fertility and structure. Historically, turnips have been a staple in European diets and are used in traditional dishes. They fit well in a food forest as a ground cover layer, and their leaves can be used as fodder. Companion plants include legumes like clover, which enhance nitrogen availability, and aromatic herbs such as dill and chamomile, which can deter pests.
Growing Details
Turnips thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Direct sow seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Space plants 30 cm apart to allow for adequate root development. Companion plants like peas and beans can enhance soil nitrogen, while marigolds can deter nematodes. Harvest turnips when they are 5-10
Tags
Carbon Farming
Erosion Preventing
Easy Propagating
Winter Edible
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Brassica rapa</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to temperate regions of Europe and Asi
applicable geo region: Temperate regions worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of Jun for 60 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
beginning
of February
Transplant:
beginning
of April
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: Turnips offer culinary versatility with both roots and leaves being edible. The roots can be consumed raw, roasted, boiled, or mashed, while the leaves are nutritious when added to salads or cooked like spinach. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a healthy diet. The roots are best harvested when young and tender for optimal flavor.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Turnips have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties and digestive health benefits. They are believed to have diuretic effects, potentially aiding in blood pressure management. The leaves are particularly high in antioxidants and can support overall health.
health concerns: Consuming large quantities of turnips may interfere with thyroid function due to goitrogens, especially if eaten raw.
other uses: Turnips are used as animal fodder and as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility. They can also be part of a crop rotation system to enhance soil health.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Brassica rapa
common names: Turnip; White Turnip; Yellow Turnip
family: Brassicaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Brassica
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.5 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Turnips thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Direct sow seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Space plants 30 cm apart to allow for adequate root development. Companion plants like peas and beans can enhance soil nitrogen, while marigolds can deter nematodes. Harvest turnips when they are 5-10
Potential Disturbances: Turnips are susceptible to flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Use floating row covers to protect young plants from flea beetles. Planting garlic or onions nearby can help repel root maggots. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used as organic pest control measures.
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