The turnip (Brassica rapa) is a root vegetable rich in vitamins A, C, B, B6, E and K. The leaves are sometimes eaten as ‘turnip greens’.
The common type of turnip is mostly white-skinned, apart from the upper 1cm to 6cm, which protrudes above the ground and is purple or red or greenish where sunlight has fallen on it. This above-ground part develops from stem tissue, but is fused with the root.
The interior flesh is entirely white. The root is roughly globular, 5cm to 20cm in diameter, and lacks side roots. Underneath, the taproot (the normal root below the swollen storage root) is thin and 10cm or more long; it is often trimmed off before the vegetable is sold. The leaves grow directly from the above-ground shoulder of the root, with little or no visible crown or neck.
The best time to plant turnips is in March and early April so that the plants can strengthen before the winter cold sets in and the first frost arrive. Turnips can tolerate moderate frost; indeed, as Gardening in South Africa (GSA) notes, many people say their flavour improves with colder weather. If, however, you are in an area with severe frost, use straw as a mulch to protect the roots from freezing.
In subtropical regions, turnips are grown from February to June during the winter months. In cooler summer regions, they are planted in August and September and harvested before the peak summer heat, which can spoil them.
CULTIVATION
Turnip seeds can be sown directly into garden beds, or started indoors in seedling trays and transplanted later. They prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.