Brassica rapa Rapifera Group
turnip
A cultivated group of biennial plants, selected for its round, swollen root/stem and known and eaten as turnip. Turnips are usually purple at the top and white beneath the ground. Green leaves, covered with short, rough hairs form a rosette-like bunch. They are fast-growing and can be harvested over a long time. Both leaves and the swollen roots are edible. If left grown into the second year, they will form an erect stem bearing bright yellow, cross-shaped flowers followed by elongated seedpods
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted, Columnar upright
- Genus
Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in firm, fertile soil - including coastal regions. For more advice see turnip cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetle, cabbage root fly, caterpillars, pigeons and snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe
Diseases
May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil
Get involved
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