Photo:Gena Breakiron
According to the University of Wisconsin, turnips, Brassica rapa, have been consumed by humans for 3,500-6,000 years. They were likely discovered near the Hindu Kush mountains, near present day Afghanistan. Eventually, they would be bred to give us sophisticated vegetables such as broccoli rabe, bok choy and mizuna!
So, why do turnips get such a bad rap? The phrase “turnip eater” was considered to be an insult, meaning not very smart. A “turnip head” meant a country bumpkin, and “just fell off a turnip truck” meant a country bumpkin in the city. Turnips were considered to be food for the poor and illiterate.
Well, not any more.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) turnips, while high in water, are a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. While most people think of the ever-present purple-topped turnip as a staple, albeit pedestrian vegetable, I’m here to tell you there’s a new turnip in town!
The Japanese turnips have arrived.
As a long time gardener, I plant some new varieties or species in my garden every year. Some experiments become standards in my garden, and others will never set roots in my garden again. While I’ve never been a big fan of the purple-topped turnip, I decided to try something new. The most successful experiment this year was the Japanese turnip. I planted the variety Hakurei, and they were amazing. They produced smooth white, wonderfully round globes. No peeling is necessary with these beauties. They are great in salads, but I prefer them on their own. Eaten like an apple, they are sweet and crisp, with a spiciness that doesn’t overwhelm. Needless to say, my fall crop of Japanese turnips is already in the garden!
Don’t forget, turnip greens are delicious and loaded with vitamin C. Your turnips will tolerate picking some of the leaves while they are still growing. Just be sure to leave a few leaves on each plant so they can still photosynthesize properly. When you’re ready to pull up the roots, use those healthy leaves also. You’ll find many recipes online for preparing greens.
Turnips are an easy crop to grow. The Hakurei variety takes only 38 days to mature. (There are many varieties of Japanese turnips with similar growing instructions and taste expectations.) They prefer cool weather, so you can enjoy a spring and fall harvest. The optimal soil temperature for seed germination is between 45°- 77°. In the spring, plant as soon as the soil is workable. For Albemarle County, VA, this would be early to mid March. Check planting times for your area in Virginia by using Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Virginia’s Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide.
Choose a sunny location for planting turnips that has not been used for brassicas in the past 4 years. (Brassicas include turnips, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and collards and many others. This family of plants is often called the cole or mustard family.)
Japanese turnips prefer well-drained, loamy soil, rich in organic matter. Work the soil to loosen it and remove any rocks. Incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil to enhance fertility and drainage. Your turnips will be smooth and nicely shaped if they can grow easily in the soil. The pH should be between 5.5 and 7.
Remember, it’s best to get a soil test for your vegetable garden at least every 3 years. This can be accomplished by contacting your local Master Gardener help desk or by visiting the Virginia Cooperative Extension office to obtain a test kit. You’ll collect the sample according to the directions and mail it off to Virginia Tech. They will email the results directly to you.
Plant the seeds ¼” deep, and 2”-3” apart in rows 18”-30” apart.
Keep your turnips well watered, but not constantly wet. Drought stress can make turnips bitter, hot or woody. Additionally, if the soil is left too dry, a sudden rain or heavy watering may cause the turnips to split. Maintaining adequate water is essential. A good rule is 1” of water per week. Stick your finger in the soil to be sure the water is penetrating.
Once they emerge, you’ll want to thin them to 6” apart. I don’t like to destroy plants, so I let them begin to grow, then harvest the small turnips between plants to enjoy while letting the rest grow larger. If you decide to do this, be sure the remaining turnips have plenty of soil around them, and water thoroughly.
Photo: Gena Breakiron
Be sure to keep the weeds away from all your garden plants. Weeds compete with your desired plants for water, nutrients and sometimes sunlight. Harvest mature turnips when they are 2”-3” in diameter for best flavor, tenderness and moisture content.
Because turnips are planted so early in the spring, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about insect feeding damage. However, turnips can fall victim to a few pests. You can read about these potential pests in this article from Clemson University.
One method to combat insects is the use of floating row covers or a low tunnel to prevent insect damage. A floating row cover or low tunnel uses a spun-bonded or woven material that is placed over plants to exclude pests, act as a windbreak, or extend the growing season by retaining heat — all while still being permeable to light, water and air. Floating Row Cover/Wisconsin Horticultur Extension.
The journey from a simple experiment to a yearly gardening staple illustrates the rewarding nature of trying new things in the garden. Japanese turnips have not only enriched the culinary experiences at the table, but have also added a layer of enjoyment to the gardening process. Their success story serves as an inspiration to continually explore and embrace new possibilities in gardening, reminding us that sometimes the most delightful discoveries come from stepping into the unknown.
SOURCES:
Featured Photo: by Gena Breakiron
“First we tamed turnips. Then we turned them into book choy and other veggies,” University of Wisconsin-Madison/News (2021)
USDA Food Data Central/Turnips-raw
Va.Coop.Ext. Pub. 426-422/Root Crops/Turnip & Rutabaga
Clemson University/Identification of Common Insect Pests of Brassica Crops
Clemson University Extension/Cabbage, Broccoli & Other Cole Crop Insect Pests
Virginia’s Home Garden Vegetable Planting Guide/VA Tech Ext Pub.426-331
University of Minnesota Extension/ Growing Turnips and Rutabagas in Home Gardens
Wisconsin Ext/Floating Row Cover
Purdue University Extension Food Link/Turnip and Turnip Greens
