Brassica rapa (Rapifera Group) 'Primera'
turnip 'Primera'
A biennial brassica grown as an annual for its edible roots and leaves. Produces small, rounded, slightly flattened roots with smooth skin, reddish-purple at the top and white at the base. Ready for harvesting in mid- to late summer depending on sowing time
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 a deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny position; will tolerate some shade especially if grown for its leafy tops. Keep well watered during dry spells. See turnip cultivation for more detailed advice
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, aphids, cabbage caterpillars, cabbage whitefly and cabbage root fly
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildew, powdery mildews, and club root, particularly in acidic soil
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