How to grow Turnip in Australia
A quick cool season root for full sun in loose, fertile, well drained soil. Sow direct and thin early so roots can swell.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 15 cm
- Time to harvest: 55 days
- Time to germinate: 5 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to August | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to August | |
| Adelaide & SA | March to August | |
| Perth & WA | March to August | |
| Tasmania | August to October, January to March | Sow Aug to Oct and Jan to Mar. Autumn sowings sweeten with frost. |
| Canberra & ACT | September, January and February | Sow Jan to Feb for autumn and winter roots, or Sep for spring. Cold soil stops winter germination. |
| North Queensland | April to August | Dry season Apr to Aug. Quick cool month root; wet season sowings bolt and rot. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. SEQ autumn months fall in the Darwin wet. |
Varieties
- Purple Top White Globe
- Tokyo Cross F1
- Hakurei
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
- Potato
- Mustard
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Ready when roots are firm and golf-ball to tennis-ball size, sweetest while young. Pull by the leaves; pick before they grow large and woody.
Storage
Fridge without tops, up to 2 weeks. Greens use within 3 days.