Leaf Turnip

Leaf turnips are selected for greens rather than swollen roots. Some make little usable root, so harvest expectations differ from root turnips.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

4 in

First harvest

25–45 days

Tips

• Buy a greens or leaf cultivar.
• Space 4–6 inches for repeated picking.
• Take outer leaves while preserving the crown.
• Use insect mesh against flea beetles.
• Sow 1/4-1/2 inch deep and thin root varieties to 3-4 inches apart.
• Provide about 1 inch of water weekly without letting the soil cycle between drought and saturation.
• Keep weeds down with shallow cultivation so developing roots are not disturbed.
• Cover seedlings with insect mesh to limit flea beetles and root maggot flies.
• Harvest most roots at 2-3 inches across and take only a few leaves per plant if roots are the main crop.

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