Turnips Brassica rapa (Rapifera Group)

Turnips are in the mustard family and are grown as an edible food crop for both their green tops and the root. They can be grown in spring or fall but are the best tasting as a fall crop. Seeds can be sown mid-summer for a fall crop. The root itself comes in various colors from yellow to white with or without red or purple at the top. They can also be round or flattish in shape. Young leaves are great in a salad or older leaves can be sauteed. 

Grow this plant in fertile, moist well-drained soil in full sun and water as needed to keeps the soil lightly moist. They germinate quickly and mature in about 8 weeks. Turnip roots taste best if grown in moist conditions and are picked young. They are also sweeter after a light fall frost.

Problems, Pests and Diseases: aphids, whiteflies, flea beetles, and caterpillars such as cabbage loopers, cutworms, and beet armyworms. Slugs and snails may also be a problem. Diseases include club root, white rust, leaf spot, and rots such as damping off and bacterial soft rot.