Purple Top Turnip
How to Grow Purple Top Turnip
Overview
Purple Top Turnips are a delicious and easy-to-grow vegetable that thrive in cooler weather. These fast-growing plants produce sweet, purple-topped roots and nutritious greens, making them a perfect choice for fall gardens. With proper care and attention to common issues, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this tasty veggie.
Growing Conditions
Purple Top Turnips prefer cool temperatures and perform best when planted in early fall or late spring. They need full sun exposure and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. This variety is drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Planting & Care
Sow Purple Top Turnip seeds directly into the garden 4-6 weeks before the first fall frost date, aiming for a spacing of about 2 inches apart and 1 inch deep. Thin seedlings to a final spacing of 5-7 inches when they reach 2-3 inches tall. Keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize with compost or an organic vegetable fertilizer every 4 weeks.
Common Problems
Watch out for flea beetles, which can create small holes in the leaves. Use row covers or apply diatomaceous earth to protect your plants. Also, be aware of root maggot infestations, signaled by wilting and yellowing foliage; these can be controlled with beneficial nematodes.
Harvest or Enjoy
Harvest Purple Top Turnips when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor and texture. The greens can also be picked individually as soon as they are large enough to handle. Store unwashed roots in plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, and enjoy the tender greens fresh within a few days of picking.
Remember, gardening is a rewarding journey that allows you to grow your own nutritious food while enjoying the beauty of nature. Happy gardening!