Turnip – Germination Stage

Start turnips from seed sown directly in the garden.

Start seeds in the garden about 4 to 5 weeks before you expect the last frost. Turnips can be started indoors, but they— like most root crops— are difficult to transplant in the garden with success.

Sow seed ½ (12 mm) inches deep and be sure to heel or stamp the soil firmly in turnips often fail to germinate when there is insufficient contact with the soil.

Space rows 12 inches apart.

To improve germination sow seed on a cool, cloudy day.

Sow seed in loose, fertile soil. Adding aged compost to planting beds in advance of sowing will feed the soil and aid moisture retention.

The seeds should germinate in 3 to 10 days. The optimum soil temperature for growing turnips is 60°F (16°C).

Turnips prefer a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8.

Grow turnips in full sun for best yield.

Avoid planting turnips where potatoes have grown recently.

Common pest enemies are aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage root maggots. Protect the seedlings from pests and cold for two to three weeks after planting with spun poly-row covers.