Purple Top turnip: How to Grow, Harvest, Fertilize, and Use Purple Top turnip
Written By: Rob Gardener Last Updated:
My Journey to Growing Purple Top Turnips
=====================================================
As a seasoned gardener, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting varieties to add to my garden. One of my favorite crops to grow is the humble turnip, and I'm excited to share with you my experience growing Purple Top turnips.
What are Purple Top Turnips?
Before I dive into my growing experience, let's talk about what Purple Top turnips are. These turnips are a type of root vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. They're a cool-season crop, which means they thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring or fall. Purple Top turnips are known for their unique, purple-colored tops and white, round roots.
Why Grow Purple Top Turnips?
So, why should you grow Purple Top turnips? For one, they're a great addition to any salad or slaw. They have a sweet, peppery flavor that's perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your dishes. They're also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. And, let's be real, they're just plain fun to eat!
My Experience Growing Purple Top Turnips
So, how did I grow my Purple Top turnips? I started by preparing the soil in my garden. I tilled the soil to a depth of about 8 inches, then added a 2-inch layer of compost to give my turnips a nutrient boost. Next, I sowed the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in late spring. I covered the seeds with a thin layer of soil and kept the soil consistently moist during the first few weeks after sowing.
Step 1: Sowing the Seeds
I sowed the seeds in late May, when the soil had warmed up to at least 60°F. I chose a spot in my garden that got full sun to partial shade, depending on the weather. I watered the soil gently but thoroughly after sowing, and made sure not to overwater.
Step 2: Thin the Seedlings
About 1-2 weeks after sowing, I started to see seedlings emerging. I thinned the seedlings to about 6-8 inches apart, making sure to leave enough space for the turnips to grow. I used a pair of scissors to snip off the weakest seedlings at soil level, leaving the strongest ones to continue growing.
Step 3: Mulching and Watering
I mulched the soil around my turnips with a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. I kept the soil consistently moist during the growing season, watering it when the top inch of soil felt dry to the touch.
Step 4: Pest and Disease Management
As my turnips grew, I kept an eye out for any pests or diseases that might affect them. I used row covers to protect my turnips from flea beetles and other pests, and applied a natural fungicide to prevent diseases like powdery mildew.
Step 5: Harvesting
Finally, the day arrived to harvest my Purple Top turnips! I carefully dug around the turnips, making sure not to damage the roots. I cut the tops off at soil level, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to the root. I then washed the turnips in cold water to remove any dirt or debris, and enjoyed them raw in salads or cooked in soups and stews.
Tips and Variations
Growing Purple Top turnips is relatively easy, but there are a few tips and variations to keep in mind:
- Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the first frost date in your area to ensure a head start on the growing season.
- Grow turnips in containers if you don't have enough space in your garden. Just make sure the container is at least 6-8 inches deep.
- Try growing turnips in a greenhouse if you have access to one. The controlled environment can help extend the growing season and improve yields.
- Experiment with different varieties of turnips, such as White Lady or Little Finger, to see which ones you like best.
Conclusion
Growing Purple Top turnips was a fun and rewarding experience for me, and I'm excited to share my knowledge with you. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy these delicious and nutritious turnips in your own garden. Happy gardening!