How to Grow Turnips in Missouri

Turnips (Brassica rapa) are versatile root vegetables that can be a delightful addition to any garden. Known for their crisp texture and slightly peppery flavor, turnips thrive in various growing conditions. In Missouri, where the climate ranges from humid subtropical in the southeast to continental in the northwest, home gardeners can successfully grow turnips by following specific guidelines tailored to the region. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to grow turnips in Missouri.

Understanding Turnip Varieties

Before diving into the cultivation process, it’s essential to understand that there are several varieties of turnips. Each type has unique characteristics that may influence your choice based on taste, growing time, and intended culinary use. Some popular varieties include:

• Purple Top White Globe: This variety is well-suited for Missouri’s climate. It matures quickly and has a sweet flavor that’s perfect for both roasting and mashing.
• Tokyo Cross: A hybrid type, the Tokyo Cross is known for its smooth texture and mild taste. It also grows well in cooler temperatures.
• Golden Ball: This variety is smaller and rounder than standard turnips, offering a unique flavor profile that’s slightly sweeter.

Choosing the right variety for your needs will set the foundation for successful turnip cultivation.

Best Time to Plant Turnips in Missouri

Turnips are cool-season crops, and they thrive best when temperatures range between 50°F and 75°F. In Missouri, you can typically plant turnips in two main seasons:

1. Spring Planting: Start seeds indoors around 4-6 weeks before the last frost date (usually around mid-April). Transplant them outdoors as soon as the soil is workable—typically late March to early April.

2. Fall Planting: For a fall crop, sow seeds directly into the ground from late July to early August. This timing allows the turnips to mature before winter sets in.

Timing your planting properly ensures optimal growth and minimizes pest problems.

Soil Preparation

Turnips prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Here are some steps to prepare your soil for planting:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a spot in your garden that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours daily. Good drainage is also crucial; avoid areas where water tends to pool after heavy rains.

2. Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content. Turnips thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0 – 7.0). You can purchase soil testing kits from local gardening stores or contact your local extension office for assistance.

3. Amendments: Based on your soil test results, incorporate necessary amendments such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage.

4. Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches, breaking up clumps and removing weeds or debris.

Sowing Turnip Seeds

Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to sow your seeds.

Direct Sowing

1. Seed Depth: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep into the soil.
2. Spacing: Space seeds approximately 2 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings once they reach about 4 inches tall to ensure proper spacing of about 4-6 inches between each plant.
3. Watering: Water gently after planting to moisten the soil without washing away the seeds.

Using Seedlings

If you started seeds indoors, transplant them outdoors once they have developed at least two true leaves.

1. Transplanting Depth: Dig holes deep enough so that the seedlings’ roots are covered without burying the crowns.
2. Watering Post-Transplant: Water thoroughly after transplanting to help establish roots.

Caring for Your Turnips

Proper care during the growing season is key to achieving a healthy harvest of turnips.

Watering

Turnips require consistent moisture to grow well but should not be overwatered as this can cause root rot. Water them deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not soggy.

Fertilization

Turnips benefit from additional nutrients during their growth phase:

1. Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer when preparing your soil.
2. Side Dressing: Apply a side dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like ammonium nitrate) when seedlings are around 4 inches tall.

Weeding and Mulching

Keep weeds at bay by regularly checking your garden bed:

• Hand-pull weeds or use a hoe carefully not to disturb turnip roots.
• Apply organic mulch (like straw or wood chips) around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Pest Control

Monitor your plants for common pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms:

• Use floating row covers early in the season to protect seedlings from pests.
• Hand-pick larger pests like caterpillars or apply organic insecticidal soap if needed.

Harvesting Turnips

Timing is crucial when it comes to harvesting turnips:

1. Harvest Time: Most varieties mature within 30-60 days after planting. You can begin harvesting when roots reach about 2-3 inches across.
2. Signs of Maturity: Check for size rather than waiting until they are overly large; this ensures tender roots with better flavor.
3. Harvest Technique: Gently pull up turnips by grasping them at the base, being careful not to damage adjacent plants or roots.

Storing Turnips

Once harvested, proper storage will maintain freshness:

1. Remove Foliage: Cut off greens about an inch above the bulb; this helps prevent moisture loss.
2. Storage Conditions: Store turnips in a cool, dark place with good air circulation—ideally around 32°F with high humidity (like a refrigerator crisper drawer).
3. Use Within Weeks: For best quality, consume or cook turnips within a few weeks of harvest.

Conclusion

Growing turnips in Missouri can be an immensely rewarding endeavor for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike. With their adaptability to local climates, straightforward care requirements, and bounty of recipes ranging from soups to salads, these hardy vegetables add both flavor and nutrition to your table. By embracing effective planting strategies, diligent care routines, and proper harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a fruitful harvest of delicious turnips year after year! Happy gardening!