How To Grow Turnips in Canada | Complete Guide

Download | How to Grow Turnips | Complete Growing Guide (PDF)

Turnips are fast-growing, cool-season vegetables that thrive in Canadian gardens. Their crisp roots and edible greens make them a versatile choice for spring and autumn planting.

Many varieties mature in just 35–60 days. With loose soil, consistent moisture, and proper spacing, turnips are an easy and rewarding crop for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Turnip Growing Guide at a Glance

Feature	Growing Requirement / Detail
Botanical Name	Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
Plant Type	Cool-season biennial, usually grown as an annual
Sun Exposure	Full sun; approximately 6–8 hours daily
Soil	Loose, fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0
Start Indoors	Not generally recommended for root production; direct sowing is preferred
Direct Sow	Early spring and late summer for autumn harvests
Sowing Depth	0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch)
Germination	4–10 days under favourable conditions; approximately 15–24°C (59–75°F)
Plant Spacing	5–10 cm (2–4 inches), depending on variety
Row Spacing	30–45 cm (12–18 inches)
Water Needs	Consistent moisture; approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) weekly as a starting point
Difficulty Level	Easy
Container Friendly	Yes; containers at least 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) deep

Best Turnip Varieties for Canadian Gardens

Turnips vary in size, colour, flavour, and maturity. Small salad varieties are excellent for fresh eating, while larger traditional varieties are better suited to cooking and storage.

Maturity times are approximate. Always check the seed packet for the specific variety you are growing.

Caribou Growing Note: Choosing a Turnip Variety

For sweet, tender roots eaten fresh, try a salad variety such as Hakurei. For traditional cooking and autumn storage, Purple Top White Globe is a dependable choice.

When to Plant Turnips in Canada

In many Canadian regions, gardeners can grow two crops: one in early spring and another in late summer for autumn harvesting.

Spring Planting

Direct sow approximately 2–4 weeks before your average last spring frost, once the soil is workable. Plant early enough for roots to mature before prolonged summer heat.

Read More | Cold Hardy Vegetables: How to Start Your Canadian Garden Weeks Earlier

Autumn Planting

Sow approximately 6–10 weeks before your first expected autumn frost, depending on the variety. In short-season regions, plant earlier to allow sufficient time for root development.

Read More | Cold-Hardy Crops to Grow Late Into the Season

Canadian Turnip Planting Calendar

These dates are approximate. Adjust sowing times according to local frost dates, soil conditions, and variety maturity. Autumn crops may grow more slowly as daylight decreases.

How to Direct Sow Turnip Seeds

Direct sowing is the preferred method for growing turnips because it allows roots to develop without transplant disturbance.

Step-by-Step Sowing Instructions

1. Choose a Location: Select a sunny garden bed with loose, well-drained soil.
2. Prepare the Soil: Loosen soil to approximately 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) deep, removing stones, weeds, and large clumps.
3. Add Compost: Incorporate finished compost if needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer or fresh manure.
4. Sow Seeds: Plant 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch) deep, initially spacing seeds approximately 2–3 cm (1 inch) apart.
5. Space Rows: Leave 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) between rows.
6. Water Gently: Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge.
7. Thin Seedlings: Once true leaves develop, thin to 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) apart, depending on the variety.

For a continuous harvest, sow small batches every 10–14 days during suitable cool-weather planting periods.

Read More | How to Grow Radishes in Canada | Complete Growing Guide

Turnip Seed Germination & Thinning

Turnip seeds typically germinate within 4–10 days under favourable conditions. Soil temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F) support reliable germination.

Tips for Successful Germination

• Use fresh seeds and prepare a fine, crumbly seedbed.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Avoid deep sowing or heavily compacted soil.
• Protect emerging seedlings from flea beetles.
• During hot weather, provide temporary light shade if the seedbed dries too quickly.

If seeds fail to emerge, check moisture, soil temperature, planting depth, and seed quality before reseeding.

How to Thin Turnip Seedlings

When seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin to approximately 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) apart. Small salad turnips can grow closer together, while larger varieties need more room.

Use scissors to snip unwanted seedlings at soil level if pulling them would disturb neighbouring roots.

Read More | Vegetable Garden Spacing Guide: How Far Apart to Plant Vegetables

Can You Start Turnips Indoors & Transplant Them?

Turnips are best direct sown because transplanting can disturb developing roots and cause stunting or irregular shapes. However, starting seedlings indoors is possible when necessary, particularly when growing turnips for their greens.

How to Start Turnip Seeds Indoors

1. Timing: Start seeds approximately 2–3 weeks before the intended transplanting date.
2. Containers: Use individual, deep cells or biodegradable pots to reduce root disturbance.
3. Sowing: Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm (¼–½ inch) deep in moist seed-starting mix.
4. Lighting: After germination, provide bright light or approximately 14–16 hours daily under suitable grow lights.
5. Seedling Care: Keep one healthy seedling per cell and transplant before roots become crowded.

How to Transplant Turnips Outdoors

1. Harden Off: Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.
2. Prepare the Bed: Loosen the soil and remove stones or large clumps.
3. Choose the Right Day: Transplant during cool, cloudy weather or late afternoon.
4. Handle Carefully: Keep the root ball intact and avoid bending or damaging the developing root.
5. Plant at the Correct Depth: Set seedlings at approximately the same depth they were growing in their containers.
6. Space Plants: Leave 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) between plants, according to the variety.
7. Water Thoroughly: Water immediately after transplanting and maintain even moisture while seedlings establish.

Caribou Growing Note: Protect Developing Roots

If transplanting turnips, move seedlings while they are young and avoid disturbing their roots. For the most reliable root harvest, direct sowing remains the better choice.

Soil, Sunlight & Fertilizing Requirements

Turnips grow best in loose, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of approximately 6.0–7.0. Choose a location receiving 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Incorporate finished compost before planting to improve soil structure and moisture retention. Remove stones and break up compacted soil to encourage smooth root development.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of roots. If additional nutrients are needed, apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer according to soil test results or product directions.

Rotate turnips with non-brassica crops to help reduce soilborne disease pressure.

Read More | How to Prepare Garden Soil for Planting: A Canadian Spring Guide

Watering & Mulching Turnips

Consistent moisture is essential for producing tender, mild-flavoured turnips. As a starting point, provide approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water weekly from rainfall and irrigation combined, adjusting for weather and soil conditions.

Water deeply and avoid allowing the soil to become excessively dry. Irregular moisture can contribute to cracked, tough, or bitter roots.

Apply a light layer of straw or shredded-leaf mulch to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Growing Turnips in Raised Beds & Containers

Turnips grow well in raised beds with at least 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) of loose, workable soil. Good drainage and proper spacing encourage healthy root development.

For containers, choose pots at least 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) deep with drainage holes. Fill with quality potting mix, sow seeds directly, and thin according to the variety.

Small salad turnips such as Hakurei are particularly suitable for container growing. Check moisture frequently, especially during warm weather.

Common Turnip Pests, Diseases & Growing Problems

Turnips share several pests and diseases with other brassicas, including cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Inspect plants regularly, particularly while seedlings are young.

Common Pests

• Flea Beetles: Create small holes in leaves and can damage young seedlings. Protect plants with fine insect netting.
• Cabbage Root Maggots: Feed on roots and cause stunted growth. Use insect exclusion and crop rotation.
• Cabbage Worms: Caterpillars chew holes in foliage. Inspect leaves and remove visible caterpillars.
• Aphids: Cluster on tender growth. Monitor plants and manage infestations early.
• Slugs: Damage seedlings and leaves during damp weather. Reduce hiding places and inspect plants.

Diseases & Growing Problems

• Clubroot: Causes swollen, distorted roots and wilting. Improve drainage, manage soil pH based on testing, and avoid repeatedly planting brassicas in affected beds.
• Downy Mildew: Develops during cool, humid conditions. Improve airflow and avoid prolonged leaf wetness.
• Woody or Bitter Roots: Often associated with prolonged heat, drought, or delayed harvesting.
• Cracked Roots: May result from irregular watering or rapid growth.
• Small Roots: Common causes include overcrowding, compacted soil, insufficient sunlight, or inadequate growing time.

If turnips produce abundant leaves but small roots, check spacing, fertilizer use, sunlight, and growing conditions.

When & How to Harvest Turnips in Canada

Small salad turnips are often harvested at approximately 3–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter. Traditional cooking turnips are commonly harvested around 5–8 cm (2–3 inches), depending on the variety.

Autumn turnips often develop excellent flavour during cool weather. They tolerate light frost, but prolonged severe freezing can damage roots.

How to Tell When Turnips Are Ready

• Roots have reached the recommended size for the variety.
• The rounded upper portion is visible at the soil surface.
• Roots feel firm and solid.
• The crop has reached its approximate maturity period.

How to Harvest Turnips

1. Check several roots to confirm they have reached the desired size.
2. Loosen surrounding soil if necessary.
3. Pull roots gently to avoid damage.
4. Brush away loose soil and trim the leaves for storage.
5. Use damaged roots promptly and store healthy roots separately.

Harvesting Turnip Greens

Young turnip greens are edible and can be harvested throughout the growing season. Remove only a few outer leaves from plants intended for root production, leaving enough foliage for continued growth.

For larger greens harvests, grow turnips specifically for their leaves.

Caribou Growing Note: Harvest for Tenderness

Turnips are often sweetest and most tender when harvested young. Check roots regularly as they approach maturity rather than allowing them to become oversized.

How to Store Turnips

Turnips can be stored in the refrigerator or kept longer under suitable root-cellar conditions. Remove leafy tops before storing to reduce moisture loss.

Refrigerator Storage

Brush away loose soil, trim the leaves, and place roots in a perforated bag or suitable container in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer. Use tender salad varieties relatively soon for the best flavour and texture.

Long-Term Storage

Mature storage varieties keep best close to 0°C (32°F), without freezing, at approximately 90–95% relative humidity.

Store only firm, undamaged roots. Under suitable conditions, storage varieties may remain usable for several months. Check regularly and remove any roots showing signs of decay.

Freezing Turnips

Wash, peel if desired, and cut roots into cubes. Blanch small cubes in boiling water for approximately two minutes, cool immediately in ice water, drain, and freeze in suitable containers.

Turnip greens can also be blanched and frozen separately.

Read More | How to Store Fresh Vegetables After Harvest

How to Use Turnips in the Kitchen

Turnips have a flavour ranging from mildly sweet to peppery, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Small salad turnips can be enjoyed raw in salads or vegetable platters. Larger roots are excellent roasted, mashed, steamed, or added to soups and stews.

Turnip greens can be sautéed, steamed, or added to cooked dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Turnips

Can turnips survive frost?

Yes. Turnips tolerate light frost, but prolonged severe freezing can damage roots and reduce storage quality.

Why are my turnips bitter?

Prolonged heat, drought, and delayed harvesting can produce stronger, more bitter flavours. Grow turnips during cool weather and maintain consistent moisture.

Why are my turnips woody?

Turnips may become woody when allowed to grow too large or exposed to prolonged heat and drought.

Why are my turnips growing leaves but no roots?

Excess nitrogen, overcrowding, insufficient sunlight, or unsuitable temperatures can reduce root development.

Can I grow turnips twice in one season?

Yes. Many Canadian gardeners can grow an early spring crop followed by a late-summer planting for autumn harvesting.

What is the difference between turnips and rutabagas?

Turnips generally mature more quickly and are often smaller with white flesh. Rutabagas usually have yellow flesh, take longer to mature, and are especially suitable for autumn harvesting and winter storage.

Grow Turnips from Seed Today

Turnips are an excellent choice for Canadian gardeners seeking a quick-growing, productive vegetable for spring and autumn gardens.

Choose a variety suited to your needs, direct sow during cool weather, maintain consistent moisture, and harvest roots at the recommended size for the best flavour and texture.

Featured Turnip Seeds

Turnip 'Purple Top White Globe' A traditional, reliable turnip variety producing round roots with purple shoulders and white flesh. Excellent for spring and autumn harvests, roasting, mashing, and storage. Shop Turnip Seeds

Download | How to Grow Turnips | Complete Growing Guide (PDF)

See You in the Garden!