Shogoin Turnip Variety

Sale price Price $3.95 Regular price $10.75

A Japanese variety, Shogoing grows large, white globe-shaped roots.  The greens above ground grow large and broad at 2 feet in height.  Harvest Shogoing roots when young and meaty, waiting too long may cause them to turn woody.

Turnips, a fast growing, cool-weather vegetable, can take a month less to harvest than their cool-season cousin the Rutabaga. They are easy to grow, and all parts of the plant are edible.  

When to Plant:

  • Turnips can be grown in both early Spring and in late Summer for a Fall crop. In frost-free climates, sow in Fall.
  • Where to Plant:
  • Select a site that gets full sun.
  • Soil should be well-draining, light, and loosened to a depth of 10 to 15 inches, and free of any clumps of grass and stones.
  • If the soil is heavy or poor, consider using a soil amendment such as composted organic matter or aged manure.

How to Plant:

  • Turnips should be directly sowed into the ground; they do not transplant well.
  • Scatter turnip seeds and cover with no more than ½ inch of fine soil.
  • Lightly compress soil and keep evenly moist. Seedlings will emerge in 7-14 days.
  • Once seedlings are 2 - 4 inches high, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart.
  • Turnips do not require much care, but consistent soil moisture is key. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Provide plants about 1 inch of water per week to prevent the roots from becoming tough and bitter.

When to Harvest:

  • Harvest once they have reached 2-3 inches in diameter. Early varieties after about 5 weeks, and maincrop varieties after 6 to 10 weeks.
  • For turnip greens, wait until the roots develop.  If you are harvesting turnip greens, know that this will slow the production of the root, and will take longer to harvest.

**Keep the beds free of weeds. Weeds will compete with plants for water, space, and nutrients. Either, weed frequently, and/or mulch heavily to prevent their seeds from germinating. Try to avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.