Brassicaceae
Turnip (Brassica rapa): Complete Growing and Care Guide
Brassica rapa
Turnip is a fast-growing plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Fertilize every 14 days during active growth and maintain humidity between 30-50%.
Every 3 days
Direct sun
10° - 24°C
30% - 50%
Categories
What is Turnip?
Turnip (Brassica rapa) is a medium-care plant from the Brassicaceae family. Turnip (Brassica rapa) is a biennial vegetable from the Brassicaceae family, cultivated for thousands of years for its edible roots and nutritious leaves. Native to Central Asia, it thrives in temperate climates worldwide. The plant produces bright yellow flowers in spring and summer, and its swolle...
Turnip grows up to 1.3m, spread of 50cm, watering every 3 days, 10°C – 24°C, 30–50% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Turnip is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Turnip?
TLDR: Turnip needs Direct sun, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 10-24°C with 30-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Turnip?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, keeping the soil consistently moist. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. During hot spells, watering every 2-3 days may be necessary.
How Much Light Does Turnip Need?
Turnip prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates where afternoon shade protects from excessive heat.
What Is the Best Soil for Turnip?
Use rich, well-draining soil with slight acidity (pH 6.0-7.5). Amend with compost before planting to enrich the growing medium. Clay soils should be improved with sand and compost for better drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
What Is Turnip and Where Does It Come From?
Turnip (Brassica rapa) is a biennial vegetable from the Brassicaceae family, cultivated for thousands of years for its edible roots and nutritious leaves. Native to Central Asia, it thrives in temperate climates worldwide. The plant produces bright yellow flowers in spring and summer, and its swollen taproot is packed with vitamins C and K.
How Big Does Turnip Grow?
TLDR: Turnip can reach up to 1.3m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.3m
Spread
50cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Leaves used in poultices for inflammation
- Seeds have antioxidant properties
- Root juice traditionally used to treat bronchitis
Culinary Uses
- Root boiled, roasted or in soups and stews
- Young leaves eaten raw in salads or stir-fried
- Seeds pressed for culinary oil production
- Sprouts used in salads and sandwiches
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Turnip?
TLDR: Turnip is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal-like disease caused by oomycetes (water molds) that thrives in cool, wet conditions. It affects a wide range of plants, causing yellowing leaves with fuzzy white-gray growth underneath, leading to defoliation and reduced yields if left untreated.
Alternaria Leaf Spot
Alternaria leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by Alternaria solani and Alternaria alternata that affects a wide range of plants including tomatoes, potatoes, brassicas, and ornamentals. The disease thrives in warm, humid conditions and can cause significant crop damage if left untreated. Spores overwinter on plant debris and can attach to seeds, making complete elimination difficult.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed voraciously on plant foliage, stems, flowers, and fruits. Common species include cabbage loopers, tomato hornworms, armyworms, and cutworms. These pests can cause extensive damage by consuming large amounts of plant tissue in a short time. They vary in size from small (1/4 inch) to large (5 inches), with colors ranging from green to brown, often featuring stripes or spots. Caterpillars are highly mobile and can quickly spread throughout gardens, making them one of the most destructive common pests.
Fun Facts
Turnip is one of the first vegetables cultivated by humans over 4,000 years ago
It has more varieties than almost any crop: bok choy, napa cabbage, pak choi, and mustard are all Brassica rapa
The entire plant is edible: root, leaves, and seeds
Ready to harvest in just 40-60 days from sowing
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water turnips?
Can turnips be grown in containers?
When should I harvest turnips?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Cape Primrose | Medium | Partial shade | 7d | ✓ |
| Honey Locust | Medium | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
