Turnip Growing Guide Brassica rapa subsp. rapa Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Any reasonably fertile well-drained soil. Position Sun or partial shade. Frost tolerant Light frost improves flavor, but can be damaged by hard freezes. Feeding Not usually required. Spacing Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 5" (15cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow seeds in rows in spring, and use roots in salads. Grow a second crop in fall, and use both roots and greens in cooking. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Keep watered in dry weather. Harvesting Pick individual leaves for cooking greens, or pull whole plants to harvest roots. Fall-grown turnips can be stored in a cool root cellar for several weeks. Troubleshooting Spring crops bolt to seed quickly, so pull them when the roots are perfect. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Turnip Aphid, Cabbage Aphids (General) Cabbage Root Maggot Diamondback Moth Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Turnip Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Downy Mildew