Department of Horticultural Science
Horticulture Information Leaflet 8026
12/97
HOME GARDEN TURNIPS AND RUTABAGAS
Douglas C. Sanders, Extension Horticultural Specialist
■ (Turnip green production is discussed in
Horticultural InformationLeafletNo. 8016,
Home Gardens Greens.)
T urnips and rutabagas are among tire most
commonly grown and widely adapted root
crops. They are members of the Cruciferae
or mustard family and belong to the genus
Brassica. Turnips are Brassica rapa and
rutabagas are Brassica napobrassica. The
two are similar in plant size and general
characteristics. T unrip leaves are usually
light green, thin and hairy , while the rutabagas
are bluish- green, thick and smooth. The
roots of turnips generally have little or no
neck and a distinct taproot, while rutabaga
roots are often more elongated and have a
thick, leafy neck and roots originating from
the underside of the edible root as well as
from the taproot.
Distributed in furtherance
of the Acts of Congress
of May 8 and June 30, 1914.
Employment and program
opportunities are offered to
all people regardless of
race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or disability.
North Carolina State University,
North Carolina A&T State
University, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, and local
governments cooperating.
T urnips and rutabagas are cool-season crops
and will make their best root growth during
relatively low (40 to 60°F) temperature
growing conditions. They can be grown as
either a spring or fall crop; however, rutabagas
require a longer growing season (90 days)
and should be planted as early in the season
as possible. Early maturing varieties of
turnips can be ready to harvest in 40 days,
while late-maturing varieties take up to 75
days.
These crops are biennials, which implies
seed production during the second year.
However, if an extended period of cool
weatheroccurs after spring-planted turnips
orrutabagas are well along in development,
they may form seedstalks, which halts root
development andruins successful production.
Soils- A moderately deep, highly fertile soil
with pH 6.0 to 6.5 is best for growing turnips
and rutabagas. A soil test should be taken
and lime added as needed.
Varieties - Varieties differ mainly in color
and shape of root. There are white- and
yellow-fleshed varieties of both crops,
although most turnip varieties are
white-fleshed and most rutabaga varieties
are yellow- fleshed.
Turnips
Purple Top White Globe - 58 days from
seed; bright purple crown, white below the
crown, 5 to 6 inches in diameter, globe-
shaped; leaves dark green and cut.
Just Right F, - 35 to 40 days; white root;
7 to 8 inches in diameter; flattened globe-
shaped; light green leaves that are deeply cut.
Use only as a fall crop.
Rutabagas
American Purple Top - 90 days; deep
purple crown; yellow below the crown;
globe-shaped root; 5 to 6 inches in diameter
with yellow flesh color; medium size,
blue-green, cut leaves.
North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES
