White Egg turnips are a favorite early variety with smooth, snow-white roots that are nearly round. The flesh is sweet, crisp, tender, and mild, making it ideal for fresh salads, cooking, or pickling. This versatile variety offers exceptional flavor and texture, perfect for both home gardeners and market growers.
Turnip Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow turnip seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 2–4 weeks before the last frost date. For a fall harvest, sow seeds in late summer or early fall, about 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or an area with partial shade. Turnips grow best in loose, well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8–12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Turnips prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep and 1–2 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 3–6 inches apart once they are 2–3 inches tall to give each plant room to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, to encourage tender roots.
General Care Tips for Turnips
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best root development. Turnips can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Turnips are light feeders. Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as it can promote leafy growth at the expense of roots.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb turnips’ shallow roots when weeding.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like flea beetles and aphids. Use row covers to protect young plants, and apply organic pest control methods if necessary. Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal diseases.
- Harvesting:
- For Roots: Harvest turnips when the roots are 2–3 inches in diameter, typically 30–60 days after sowing. Larger roots may become woody or bitter.
- For Greens: Harvest tender greens when they are 4–6 inches tall. You can cut the outer leaves while allowing the inner leaves to grow.
- Storage: Store harvested turnip roots in a cool, humid place such as a refrigerator or root cellar. Remove the greens before storing roots. Turnips can last up to 4–5 months if stored properly.
