Turnips are quick growing & easy to grow.
- germination time is 6 – 10 days
- time between sowing & lifting is 6 – 12 weeks
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Ideal soil for turnips is:
- firm
- non-acidic
- well drained
- dug in autumn before planting
- in sun
Sow turnip seeds:
- from March to July depending on variety
- very thinly
- 1cm (1/2in) deep
- in rows 20cm (8in) apart (for early varieties) 30 cm (12in) apart (for late varieties)
Thin seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle to:
- 25cm (10in) apart for maincrop
- 15 cm (6in) apart for earlies
To look after the growing turnips:
- remove weeds as they appear by hoeing
- water during dry periods, so bed always moist
- watch out for flea beetle
Harvest:
- 6 to 12 weeks after sowing – before too big
- May to September
turnip
Turnips are best when they grow quickly, so it pays to look after them and keep them growing.
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The difference between swedes & turnips is evident when you see the two side by side. The turnip is smaller, smoother & rounder than the swede. Swedes have a whiter flesh than swedes.
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swede
Swedes came from Sweden and were known as the Swedish turnip- & this name was shortened to Swede. Swedes are frost proof, but turnips are not – so swedes can stay in the garden all winter & turnips must be harvested before the cold weather.
Swede – Latin name Brassica napus napobrassica
- swedes are bigger than turnips
- yellow/orange flesh
- roughish, coarser skin
- larger than turnips – more like an elongated coconut in size, or an adult shoe!
- crop over a very long time
- can be left in the soil throughout the winter
- withstand heavy frosts when in the ground
- sweet, mild taste
- originated from Sweden
- have a collar
- related to turnips
Turnip – Latin name Brassica rapa
- turnips are a fast growing crop, ready five to eight weeks from sowing to harvesting
- smaller than swedes – usually golf ball size or a little larger
- white flesh
- smooth, silky skin
- round shape
- require a higher level of fertility than swedes because grow faster
- crop earlier than swedes
- cannot stand hard frosts so must be lifted from ground in autumn
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