Omari Gates
Turnips are a versatile root vegetable that can be grown in most parts of Australia throughout the year, except in extreme heat or cold. They are easy to grow and can be cultivated in small spaces, such as balconies or backyards. With their crisp texture and earthy flavour, turnips are a delightful addition to various dishes. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing turnips in Australia, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your delicious crop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Can be grown in all climates in Australia, except in extreme heat or cold |
| Season | Best sown in spring and autumn; in colder areas, plant between August and March; in warmer areas, plant in late summer, autumn, or early spring |
| Seed depth | 5mm-2cm deep |
| Seed spacing | 7-10cm-15cm between plants; 25-30cm between rows |
| Germination | Germinates in 5-12 days at a soil temperature of 7-25°C |
| Thinning | Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing; remove weaker seedlings |
| Watering | Keep soil consistently moist; water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring water reaches the root zone; water early morning or late afternoon |
| Mulching | Apply organic mulch like straw, pea straw, or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds |
| Fertilisation | Apply organic vegetable fertiliser every 4-6 weeks; in poor soil, use a fertiliser low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus |
| Pests | Susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, cabbage root maggots, cabbage moth, slugs, and snails |
| Diseases | Clubroot, powdery mildew; practice crop rotation and avoid overcrowding to prevent diseases |
| Harvest | Harvest when roots are about 5-10cm wide, or golf ball-sized; harvest leaves when large enough to eat |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right variety
When choosing a turnip variety, consider the size of your garden or planting space. Some turnip varieties are ideal for growing in containers or small spaces, with a mild and sweet flavour. If you have more space, you can choose larger varieties, such as the classic "Purple Top White Globe," which produces large, round turnips with a purple crown and a white base.
It is also important to consider the climate and planting zone when choosing a turnip variety. In colder areas, plant turnips between August and March, while in warmer areas, avoid the extreme heat of summer and plant them in late summer, autumn, or early spring. Choose turnip varieties that align with your specific region's climate and planting schedule.
Additionally, pay attention to the soil requirements of different turnip varieties. Turnips generally prefer loose, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They can be grown in moderately fertile soil and are not particularly picky. However, ensure the soil is consistently moist, and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting.
Finally, consider the harvest time and size of the turnips when choosing a variety. Turnips can be harvested when they reach the desired size, typically around 5 to 15 centimetres in diameter. Some varieties may take longer to mature, so choose a variety that aligns with your desired harvest time. Remember to adjust your planting and care practices based on your specific region and climate to ensure a successful turnip harvest.
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Preparing the soil
Turnips need moderately fertile soil but aren't especially fussy. They grow best in full sun or part shade, receiving at least three hours of full sun each day. Choose a location that hasn't recently grown another brassica crop, such as broccoli or cabbage, to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Before planting, prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly and digging it over to a depth of at least 10–20 cm, breaking up any soil lumps as you go. Turnip plants need loose, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, so add aged animal manure or compost to the soil. If you're using a soil improver, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Water the soil before planting to make it damp but not soggy.
Turnips benefit from regular fertilisation. Apply a balanced, organic vegetable fertiliser every four to six weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions. If your soil is well-prepared, no extra fertiliser should be necessary. Fertilising can result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of root formation.
Turnips can be grown in most climates in Australia, except in extreme heat or cold. The best times to sow turnip seeds are during spring and autumn.
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Sowing the seeds
Turnips can be grown in most parts of Australia throughout the year, except during extreme heat or cold. The best times to sow turnip seeds are during spring and autumn, but in the coldest areas, you should plant between August and March. In warmer areas, avoid the extreme heat of summer and plant in late summer, autumn, or early spring.
Before sowing, you must prepare the soil. Choose a full sun spot that has not been used to grow brassicas such as broccoli or cabbage recently, as this can increase the risk of soil-borne diseases. Turnips need moderately fertile, loose, and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prepare the soil by weeding thoroughly, digging to a depth of at least 10-20 cm to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost. You can also add a balanced vegetable fertiliser. Water the soil before planting to make it damp but not soggy.
Turnip seeds do not require any treatment before sowing. Sow the seeds directly where you want them to grow, approximately 1-2 cm deep and spaced 7-15 cm apart. Leave a gap of 25-30 cm between rows. The seeds should germinate in 5-12 days at a soil temperature of 7-25°C. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets, and weather until they are established.
Once the seedlings emerge and grow to about 5 cm in height, thin them out to maintain proper spacing. Remove weaker seedlings, allowing the remaining plants to grow vigorously. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, especially the leaves, to prevent rotting and fungal diseases. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, in the early morning or late afternoon.
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Watering and fertilising
Turnips require regular watering, especially during the growing season and in hot or windy weather. Watering should be deep, reaching the root zone, and carried out once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. It is important to not overwater, as this can cause the turnips to rot. To check if your turnips need watering, test the soil about 5 cm below the surface. If it is dry, it is time to water. The best time to water your turnips is in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of the plants, as this can encourage fungal diseases.
Turnips also benefit from mulching, which helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, pea straw, sugar cane, wood chips, or even compost, around the plants.
In terms of fertilising, turnips grow best in moderately fertile soil. While fertiliser may not be necessary if the soil has been well prepared, regular fertilisation can be beneficial. Apply a balanced, organic vegetable fertiliser every four to six weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions. If your soil is poor, use a fertiliser low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus, such as blood and bone.
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Harvesting
Turnips can be harvested in as little as 6 to 12 weeks after planting, depending on the variety. The roots are ready to harvest when they are about 5 to 10 centimetres wide or about golf ball-sized. Baby turnips can be harvested at around 5 centimetres in diameter, while larger turnips can grow up to 10 to 15 centimetres. It is best to harvest them when they are still young and tender, as older turnips can become fibrous and unpalatable.
Turnips are versatile and can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or added to soups and stews. The leaves are also edible and can be cooked in various ways, depending on their age. Young turnip leaves can be treated like baby spinach, while older leaves are best chopped and added to soups or stews.
When harvesting, use a fork or your hands to gently lift the turnips out of the ground. Loosen the soil around the turnip first to make it easier to remove. Be careful not to damage the roots or the turnip itself. Cut the turnips from the plant, leaving a small amount of stem attached to the root, which helps to extend their shelf life.
It is best to harvest turnips in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, and before the heat of the day sets in. This will help to keep the turnips firm and fresh. After harvesting, turnips can be stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks.
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