How to Grow Turnip in New Zealand
A cool-season crop that suits autumn through early spring in the warm north. Both root and greens are edible, with the tops delicious sauteed in garlic. Direct sow, as turnips dislike transplanting, and harvest young for the sweetest flavour.
When to plant turnip in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best turnip varieties for NZ
- Purple Top White Globe — Classic purple-shouldered turnip with sweet white flesh. (Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Mitre 10)
- Tokyo Cross F1 — Fast, uniform white roots best pulled small and tender. (Mr Fothergill's NZ, Kings Seeds)
- Hakurei — Sweet, mild salad turnip lovely eaten raw. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
How to grow turnip
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 55 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 5 days.
Companion planting
Grow turnip near: Peas, Lettuce, Onion, Nasturtium.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Aphids, Flea beetle. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant turnip in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy turnip seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Yates NZ, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Mitre 10.