Turnip Flat White Purple Top is a productive and reliable variety that produces small, flattened, round roots with a bright white lower half and characteristic light purple shoulders. The roots reach a diameter of approximately 7–10 cm and have a firm texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. This fast-growing variety is suitable for both early and late cultivation. Turnip belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and is closely related to cabbage, radish, black radish, mustard and swede. It grows well in the cool conditions of spring and autumn and tolerates light frosts, making it an excellent choice for autumn cultivation as well.
Not only the roots but also the young leaves are edible and can be cooked like spinach or added to soups and stir-fries. The young roots can be eaten raw in salads, served as crudités or sliced thinly on bread. Thanks to their mild, slightly sweet flavour, they are also ideal for boiling, steaming, braising, roasting or stir-frying. Turnips are delicious in mashed vegetable dishes, soups, stews, casseroles and mixed vegetable dishes. They can also be made into a creamy purée as an alternative to mashed potatoes or combined with potatoes, carrots or parsnips. Their mild flavour pairs perfectly with butter, cream, cheese, herbs, poultry and meat dishes. Turnips are rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C and minerals such as potassium. The roots have the best flavour when harvested young; older roots may become stronger in flavour and more fibrous. Non hardy annual. Height: 30 - 45 cm.
Outdoor sowing early crop: February - May
Outdoor sowing late crop: July - August
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp: 15 - 22 ºC
Sowing depth: ½ - 1 cm
Distance between the rows: 25 - 30 cm
Planting distance: 10 - 25 cm
Planting position: full sun - light
Harvesting period: May - December
Turnips should always be sown directly outdoors, as they grow quickly and do not tolerate transplanting well. Work a generous amount of compost into the soil 1 - 2 months before sowing, as turnips belong to the cabbage family and are relatively heavy feeders.
Loosen the soil thoroughly before sowing, as the roots develop partly below the soil surface. Turnips grow best in a cool climate with regular rainfall and in an open, sunny position. Hot, dry weather can reduce germination and root development. During warm, dry periods, water regularly and provide some shade if necessary. If sowing very early in the season, protect the young seedlings from frost. Also protect young plants against slugs.
For an early harvest, sow outdoors from February to May. For a late harvest, sow from July to August. Sow the seeds thinly to prevent overcrowding, which can restrict root development. Leave 25 - 30 cm between the rows. Depending on weather conditions and soil temperature, the seeds usually germinate within 7 - 14 days. Sow no deeper than 1 cm and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the bed free of weeds and water every 5 - 10 days during dry periods. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to a spacing of 10 - 25 cm.
Harvest the turnips when they are about the size of a golf ball, and preferably before they become larger than an orange. Turnips are not frost-hardy, so harvest them before severe frost arrives. They are best eaten as fresh as possible after harvesting, although some varieties can be stored for a longer period. For a continuous harvest, sow a short row every 3 - 4 weeks. Protect young plants from slugs, and watch out for flea beetles during summer. As members of the cabbage family, turnips are susceptible to many of the same pests and diseases as cabbages.
