Brassica rapa subsp. rapa is a biennial root vegetable commonly known as turnip. It is extremely adaptable and prefers moist, well-drained soil. The species has been cultivated for over 4000 years and is a member of the Brassicaceae family.
Before sowing
No pre-treatment needed — sow directly.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Seeds germinate best in deeply watered soil. Optimal soil temperature for turnip germination is between 60-75°F. Maintain consistent moisture during germination. Can germinate in temperatures as low as 40°F but germination will be slower. Seeds are small and should be covered lightly. Soil pH should be between 6.0-7.5.
Sources: Wikipedia Brassica rapa, Johnny Seeds, Purdue Hort, Harvest to Table, Fine Gardening, Joe Gardener, Cornell University, Scientific publications on B. rapa germination
