Purple Top White Globe Turnip

Description

Purple Top White Globe turnips are a classic variety of turnip known for their round shape, vibrant purple tops, and white roots. Here’s a description:

1. **Shape and Size:** Purple Top White Globe turnips typically have a round or slightly flattened
shape, resembling a globe. They vary in size but are generally medium-sized, with roots ranging from 3 to 4 inches in diameter.

2. **Color:** As the name suggests, Purple Top White Globe turnips have a distinctive appearance with purple-colored tops and white roots. The upper portion of the turnip, including the shoulders and top, is a deep purple color, while the lower portion and root are creamy white.

3. **Texture:** The flesh of Purple Top White Globe turnips is crisp, tender, and succulent when
harvested at the right stage of maturity. The roots have a smooth texture with a slightly firm bite, making them versatile for cooking and eating raw.

4. **Flavor:** These turnips offer a mild, sweet flavor with a subtle peppery bite. When harvested
young, they have a delicate and slightly nutty taste, while larger turnips may develop a slightly
stronger flavor. The greens, if harvested along with the roots, have a slightly bitter taste similar to mustard greens.

5. **Growing Habit:** Purple Top White Globe turnips are relatively easy to grow and adapt well to various growing conditions. They mature relatively quickly, usually within 40-60 days from seeding, depending on growing conditions and climate.

6. **Versatility:** Both the roots and greens of Purple Top White Globe turnips are edible and can
be used in a variety of culinary applications. The roots can be eaten raw, sliced, grated, or cooked in various dishes such as soups, stews, roasted vegetables, or mashed turnips. The greens can be sautéed, steamed, or used raw in salads or as a garnish.

Overall, Purple Top White Globe turnips are a versatile and flavorful addition to the garden, offering both tasty roots and nutritious greens for culinary exploration. They are prized for their attractive appearance, mild flavor, and ease of cultivation.

Planting instructions;

To plant Purple Top White Globe turnips, follow these planting instructions:

1. **Select the Right Time:** Plant Purple Top White Globe turnips in early spring for a spring harvest or in late summer for a fall harvest. Turnips prefer cool weather and can tolerate light frost, so avoid planting them in the heat of summer.

2. **Choose a Location:** Select a sunny or partially shaded spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Turnips can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefer loose, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

3. **Prepare the Soil:** Work the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, breaking up any clumps and removing rocks or debris. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure.

4. **Planting Depth and Spacing:** Sow Purple Top White Globe turnip seeds directly into the prepared soil at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Space the seeds 1-2 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 3-4 inches apart once they have germinated to allow room for the roots to develop.

5. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination and
growth stages. Water the turnips deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

6. **Fertilization:** Turnips are moderate feeders and benefit from a balanced fertilizer application before planting. You can also side-dress the plants with compost or a balanced fertilizer once they have established.

7. **Mulching:** Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the turnip plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

8. **Thinning:** Once the turnip seedlings have emerged and developed their first set of true leaves, thin them to the recommended spacing of 3-4 inches apart. Use scissors or garden shears to carefully remove the excess seedlings, leaving the strongest ones to grow.

9. **Pest and Disease Management:** Keep an eye out for common pests such as flea beetles, aphids, and root maggots, and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary. Rotate crops annually to minimize disease problems.

10. **Harvesting:** Purple Top White Globe turnips are ready to harvest when the roots reach a diameter of 2-3 inches, usually about 6-8 weeks after planting. Use a garden fork or trowel to carefully loosen the soil around the roots and lift them out of the ground. Trim off the tops and store the turnips in a cool, dark place for up to several weeks.

By following these planting instructions, you can successfully grow Purple Top White Globe turnips and enjoy their flavorful roots in your garden.