Brassica rapa var. rapa 'Demi-long de Croissy'

Annual Biennial

An early-maturing French variety of annual turnip to around 30cm in height, with long, fleshy white roots and firm, sweet flesh. White flowers appear in summer. May be eaten raw in salads or cooked. Ready for harvesting from May to June or from September to November depending on sowing times

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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 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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required but deadhead spent flowers. Cut back dead stems to ground level in autumn and before the new growth emerges in spring

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, but this variety does show some resistance to club root