How to grow Turnip in New Zealand
Turnips are quick, cool-season roots that are sweet and tender when picked young, and their leafy tops are good to eat too. Sow them direct from autumn to early spring in the north, and through spring and summer in cooler districts. Harvest them small, before they flower, for the best flavour.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Turnip in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to November, January to April | Keep sowing through Nov with steady watering. |
| Otago & Southland | September to March | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Cool summers let you keep sowing through Nov to Dec. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | September to November, January to March | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Keep sowing through Nov with steady watering. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
Not to be confused with: Swede, a close relative with larger, yellow-fleshed roots that take longer and store better.
Where to plant
Sow turnips in full sun in well-drained soil that holds moisture. Do not plant them where cabbages, broccoli or other brassicas grew recently, as they share soil-borne diseases such as clubroot.
- Northland, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty: sow from late summer through autumn and again from late winter into early spring.
- Canterbury: keep sowing into November with steady watering.
- Otago and Southland: start spring sowings in September; cool summers let you keep sowing to December. Make the last sowing in March.
- Central Otago: sow from September to November and again in late summer, finishing in March.
Choosing a variety
- Purple Top White Globe is an heirloom with purple-blushed crowns and a sweet, slightly tangy taste; it can be left in the ground over the cooler months.
- Japanese turnips such as Hakurei and Tokyo White Cross are small, white and crisp, and good raw.
- Snowball and Milan Red Top are quick, early types.
How to plant
- Sow seed thinly where the turnips are to grow, cover lightly and water well.
- Thin seedlings to about 10 to 15 cm apart; the thinnings can be eaten as greens.
- Mulch with pea straw to hold moisture.
- Sow small amounts every few weeks for a steady supply.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly, especially in hot or windy weather. Turnips that dry out turn woody, hot and fibrous. Feed lightly if the soil is poor.
Pruning and care through the year
- Cover young plants with fine mesh if white butterfly or flea beetle are a problem.
- Keep the rows weeded.
- Harvest before the plants start flowering, or the roots become fibrous and unpleasant.
Harvesting
Pull turnips while young and tender, from golf-ball size up to about 10 cm across. Small Japanese types are best at 5 cm or so. Pick some young leaves for cooking; they are delicious sauteed with garlic.
Growing in pots
Quick Japanese turnips suit a pot or trough at least 20 cm deep, filled with potting mix. Sow direct and keep moist.
Companion planting
Turnips are brassicas, so neighbours from other families help with rotation and pests.
Good companions
- Peas A cool-season crop from a different family that fixes nitrogen.
- Lettuce Fits in the gaps and is picked over a similar time.
- Onion Narrow, upright and from a different family.
- Nasturtium Draws aphids and white butterflies away.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to turnip.
- Potato Competes for space and food.
- Mustard Greens Another brassica that shares clubroot and pests.
Pests and diseases
Turnips share the usual brassica pests. Fast growth and early harvest help them stay ahead.
Pests to watch for
- White butterfly Green caterpillars and ragged holes in the leaves from spring to autumn. Cover young plants with fine mesh.
- Aphids Clusters of grey, waxy cabbage aphids under the leaves, worst in dry weather.
- Flea beetle Tiny round holes peppering seedling leaves.
Diseases to watch for
- Clubroot Wilting plants with swollen, distorted roots. Rotate and lime acid soil.
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on leaves with grey growth underneath in damp weather.
- White spot
Common questions
How long do turnips take to grow?
About six to twelve weeks, depending on the variety. Small Japanese types are the quickest.
Can I eat turnip leaves?
Yes. Young turnip tops are tender and tasty sauteed with garlic or added to soups.
Why are my turnips woody?
They were left too long, dried out, or started to flower. Pick them young and keep the soil evenly moist.
When should I sow turnips?
In autumn to early spring in the warm north, and through spring and summer in cooler districts. Choose your region at the top of the page.
Should I transplant turnip seedlings?
No. Sow them where they are to grow, as turnips dislike transplanting, and thin them out.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow turnips; Kings Seeds: Turnip range.