Overview
Purple Top White Globe is a classic, reliable turnip with crisp white flesh and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Both the roots and tender greens are edible, making this an easy, rewarding crop for home gardeners. It matures quickly and is well suited for cool-season growing.
Conditions
Turnips grow best in full sun but tolerate partial shade. They prefer loose, well-draining soil and cool temperatures. This crop thrives in spring and fall and can handle light frosts.
Planting
Use our grow calendar tool to find specific dates for your region! Seeds germinate in 10-21 days.
Direct sow seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest (after the last spring frost or 6–8 weeks before the first fall frost). Sow seeds ½" deep, about 1 seed per inch, in rows 12–18" apart. Thin seedlings to 3–4" apart once they are 1–2" tall.
Care
Keep soil evenly moist for tender roots and healthy greens. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Turnips are light feeders, but a balanced organic fertilizer can help support steady growth.
Pest & Diseases
Watch for flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots, especially on young plants. Row covers help protect seedlings, and crop rotation reduces pest and disease pressure. Here's a link to our favorite homemade insecticide soap recipe for plants!
Harvest
Harvest roots when they reach 2–3" in diameter for the best flavor and texture. Greens can be harvested young and used like mustard or kale. Pull plants promptly, as larger roots can become woody if left too long.
