Heirloom Turnip
Purple Top Milan
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, as soon as ground can be worked, sow in well worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. Carefully thin seedlings early to stand 4-6 inches apart, giving them room to size up. Provide consistent moisture.
GROWING NOTES
Make a second spring sowing 10 days later, before summer heat. Protect with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem. Sow again mid to late summer for fall harvest.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting when the turnips reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull and store the roots in the refrigerator.
Note: Turnips are always spicier when the weather turns hot. Slice and sauté or steam; use in soups and stews, or (and this is our favorite) just cut them in quarters or large chunks, toss with olive oil, then roast in the oven until tender to bring out their natural sugars. Enjoy the tasty, nutritious green tops steamed or quickly braised.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Days To Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
March – May
|
Aug – May
|
Full sun
|
1 – 2 in. apart
|
7 – 9 days
|
Approx. 45
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Days To Harvest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
March – May
|
Aug – May
|
Full sun
|
1 – 2 in. apart
|
7 – 9 days
|
Approx. 45
|
Cold Winters
March – May
|
Mild Winters
Aug – May
|
Sun/Shade
Full sun
|
Sow Seeds
1 – 2 in. apart
|
Days To Germinate
7 – 9 days
|
Days To Harvest
Approx. 45
|