🌱 How to Grow Turnip from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: शलजम (Shalgam)

• Tamil: முள்ளங்கி (Mullangi)

• Telugu: షలగం (Shalagam)

• Malayalam: ശലഗം (Shalagam)

• Kannada: ಶಲಗಮ್ (Shalagam)

• English: Turnip

• Botanical Name: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season root vegetable

• Best time to sow: October–February (winter months)

• Ideal temperature: 10°C to 20°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, well-draining sandy loam or loamy soil

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost, well-rotted manure, and wood ash before sowing

• Avoid stony or compacted soils (may deform roots)

3. 🌾 Sowing the Seeds

• Sow directly in ground or raised beds

• Depth: ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Rows: 12–15 inches apart

  • Plants: Thin to 3–4 inches apart after germination

• No transplanting needed; best direct-sown

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

• Water deeply 2–3 times per week

• Do not let the soil dry out during root development

5. 🌿 Germination

• Seeds germinate in 5–10 days

• Ensure cool, consistent moisture for best results

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs full sun (6–8 hours/day)

• Grows best in cool weather; high temperatures may cause bolting

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Mix compost or vermicompost before sowing

• Side-dress with organic fertilizer (like seaweed or mustard cake tea) once a month

• Avoid excess nitrogen – it encourages leafy growth over root formation

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: aphids, flea beetles, cabbage worms

• Common diseases: root rot, mildew, leaf spot

• Use neem oil spray every 10–15 days

• Practice crop rotation and keep beds clean of debris

9. 🥕 Harvesting

• Ready in 45–60 days (depending on variety)

• Harvest when roots are 2–3 inches in diameter

• Young turnips are more tender and flavorful

• Use a garden fork to gently lift roots without damage

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Allow a few plants to flower and form seed pods

• Collect dry pods, extract seeds, and store in a cool, dry place

🌿 Health Benefits of Turnips

• Rich in vitamin C – supports immunity

• High fiber – aids digestion and gut health

• Low-calorie – great for weight management

• Contains glucosinolates – may help fight inflammation and cancer