Turnip

Botanical name: Brassica rapa var. rapifera, B. napus

Turnips are a very hardy vegetable and easy to grow. They are sown late summer to winter (exception – Japanese turnip) Sow directly where they are to grow 1 cm deep. Thin seedlings to 20 cm between plants. Keep moist, to encourage growth and mulch well. Flesh is extremely tender when young with a mild flavour. Tops are good steamed and they are high in carotene and calcium. The roots can be used in soups, casseroles, mashed or steamed. Suitable for temperate and subtropical areas, unlikely to do well in the tropics.