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Entire healthy mature turnip plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 30–45 cm tall, 15–20 cm wide at maturity.

Turnip

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa L.

Family
Brassicaceae
Season
Cool-season biennial grown as an annual
Best grown in
Portland, Oregon

A quick, hardy root and greens crop for spring and autumn; small roots are sweetest.

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Life cycle & growth stages

  1. 1. SeedSow 1 cm deep.
  2. 2. SeedlingEmerges in 4–7 days.
  3. 3. ThinningThin to 8–10 cm; eat thinnings.
  4. 4. Developing rootShoulders show at surface.
  5. 5. Harvest readyRoots 5–8 cm.
  6. 6. HarvestPull and twist off leaves.

Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.

Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon

direct sow 4 weeks before to 2 weeks after last frost; 40–60 days to maturity from sowing. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.

TurnipBrassica rapa subsp. rapa
PlantStart indoorsDirect sowAutumn sowTransplantTendHarvest
Turnip—Mar 8–Apr 19 (estimate)Aug 27–Sep 24 (estimate)——Apr 17–Jul 9 (estimate)
  • Direct sow: Mar 8 – Apr 19
  • Harvest: Apr 17 – Jul 9
  • Autumn sowing: Aug 27 – Sep 24

Spacing & support

In-row 8–10 cm; rows 30–45 cm. Planner footprint: 1 cell of 30 cm, 9 plants per cell.

Side-profile diagram of mature turnip: canopy 30–45 cm tall, 15–20 cm wide, medium root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.

Soil & water

Soil
Loose, fertile loam
pH
6–7
Fertility
moderate
Water
Even moisture for mild, tender roots.
Frost
hardy; tolerates frost

Support & training

No support structure needed.

Turnip mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.

Harvest signs

  • Roots 5–8 cm across
  • Leaves still fresh
Turnip at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: roots 5–8 cm across; leaves still fresh.

Common problems

Pests: flea beetles, cabbage root fly

Diseases: clubroot

Appearance alone is not a diagnosis; confirm with a regional extension guide.

Side-by-side: healthy turnip leaf or fruit and an example of clubroot.

Container growing

  • Minimum 10 L (20 cm deep)
  • Use quality potting mix and water more frequently
Mature turnip in a correctly sized container (10 L or more) with drainage visible.

Companion overview

1 reviewed relationship record (evidence: low).

Supported or conditional

None reviewed

Avoid or separate

None with evidence

1 popular pairing reviewed with no verified relationship.

Full companion profile

Crop rotation

Avoid planting turnip or other cabbage family crops in the same spot for 3 years. Rotation is about previous seasons, not about live neighbours.

Year 1Year 2Year 3BrassicaceaeOther familyOther familyback after 3+ years

Shared risks in Brassicaceae: clubroot, cabbage root fly, cabbage white caterpillars.

Crop rotation hub

Sources, reviewer & update

Sources

Reviewer: Garden Planner editorial team (pending independent horticultural review)

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 · version 1

Found an error or have feedback? Let us know.

Growing turnip

Turnips mature in 40–60 days from direct sowing and are best pulled at 5–8 cm. Autumn sowings give the sweetest roots and stand through light frost. The greens are a crop in their own right.

Turnip seed beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Turnip seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Turnip mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.

Flea beetles and cabbage root fly are the main pests; mesh solves both. Turnips are brassicas for rotation purposes.

Two or more mature turnip plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (8–10 cm).
Turnip flower detail or bolting stage.
Immature root of turnip developing on the plant.

Turnips grow best in cool weather with steady water; heat and drought make them woody and hot. Sow thinly and thin early, because crowded roots stay small. In mild climates an autumn sowing stands in the ground until needed, and the tops can be cut for greens without harming the root if a few leaves are left.

Edible parts and safety

Edible: root, leaves.

Hands or tool harvesting turnip correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.

Pests and diseases

Common pests: flea beetles, cabbage root fly. Common diseases: clubroot. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.

flea beetles on turnip, with a wider damage-context view.

Timeline

Season timeline for turnip: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Direct sow Mar 8–Apr 19; Harvest Apr 17–Jul 9; Autumn sowing Aug 27–Sep 24.

Related plants

See also: Brassicaceae family page · crop rotation · regional calendar · guides

Our Methodology & Sources

We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.

Evidence tiers

Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified

Primary source types

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • University extension publications
  • Government & research institute reports
  • Systematic reviews & meta-analyses

Last updated

August 24, 2026

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