Turnips in Pentre

Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

Turnip
Turnip · Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

A quick-growing hardy root crop for the UK veg patch. Sow direct into fine, stone-free soil and keep the bed evenly moist for a clean, sweet root and useful leaves.

30 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Pentre · last frost ≈ 29 May

Sow May to August, harvest September to October. Frost risk September to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Turnip

  1. 01

    Prepare the bed

    15 May to 5 Jun

    Work the soil to a fine tilth and remove stones, clods and any fresh manure before sowing. Aim for a deep, open bed so the roots swell evenly from 15th May to 5th June.

  2. 02

    Sow seed

    15 May to 28 Aug every 3 weeks

    Sow thinly in shallow drills at from 15th May to 28th August. Sow a small batch every 21 days for a steadier harvest rather than one large glut.

  3. 03

    Protect from pests

    15 May to 28 Aug

    Fit insect-proof mesh over the bed straight after sowing and keep the edges sealed. It helps stop cabbage root fly and flea beetle from damaging seedlings during 15th May - 28th August.

  4. 04

    Thin seedlings

    27 Jul to 3 Aug

    Thin seedlings to the final spacing once they are large enough to handle, usually about 27th July - 3rd August. Lift the extras gently rather than tugging them, so you do not disturb the roots left behind.

  5. 05

    Harvest roots

    14 Sept to 26 Oct

    Lift roots from 14th September as soon as they reach usable size, then keep picking through 26th October. Leave a few in the ground only if the soil drains well, and cover the bed with fleece in hard weather.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Turnip.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Turnip to consider

Oasis

A reliable white globe turnip with crisp flesh and a mild flavour.

Purple Top White Globe

A classic quick-maturing turnip with purple shoulders and white roots.

Snowball

A smooth white turnip that is best picked young for tender roots.

Turnip guides by town

See how Turnip timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.