Turnips are quick, useful brassicas that earn their place between slower crops and in spare allotment rows. Young roots are mild, sweet and crisp, while tender leafy tops make good spring greens. Successive sowings provide fresh roots across spring, autumn and into winter storage.

When and how to sow

Sow early turnips little and often from March, once soil is workable, using a cloche or fleece in colder areas if needed. For autumn and winter roots, sow maincrop types in July and August. Make shallow drills 20 cm apart in fine, stone-free soil, sow thinly, cover lightly and water. Thin seedlings gradually to 8 to 10 cm apart, using the thinnings as salad leaves.

Care

Keep soil consistently moist so roots remain tender rather than woody or hot-tasting. Weed carefully while seedlings are small and use a light mulch after thinning to retain moisture. Compost worked into the bed before sowing is usually sufficient. Make repeat sowings every few weeks for a steady harvest.

Common problems

Flea beetles create distinctive shot-holes in young leaves, especially during dry spring weather; cover seedlings with fleece and keep them growing strongly. Club root can cause swollen, distorted roots in affected soil. Improve drainage, avoid overcrowding and rotate turnips away from other brassicas for several years.

Harvest

Lift turnips young, from golf-ball to tennis-ball size, when they are sweetest and most tender. Early sowings can be ready within six to eight weeks, depending on weather. Pull carefully after rain or loosen dry soil with a hand fork. Cook young tops as spring greens and store sound maincrop roots somewhere cool.

Growing Turnips: frequently asked questions

When should I sow turnips in the UK?

Sow early turnips little and often from March, once soil is workable, using a cloche or fleece in colder areas if needed.

What are common problems when growing turnips?

Flea beetles create distinctive shot-holes in young leaves, especially during dry spring weather; cover seedlings with fleece and keep them growing strongly.

When is turnips ready to harvest?

Lift turnips young, from golf-ball to tennis-ball size, when they are sweetest and most tender.

General guidance for UK home gardens and allotments. Reference figures are typical values; your exact timing depends on your region, last-frost date and variety. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.