Purple Top White Globe Turnip
Brassica rapa 'Purple Top White Globe'
A classic heirloom turnip variety that's been a garden staple since the 1880s, prized for its reliable performance and dual-purpose nature. The distinctive white roots with purple shoulders offer mild, sweet flavor when harvested young, while the nutritious greens provide excellent early season eating. An excellent choice for beginning gardeners seeking a versatile, easy-to-grow root vegetable.
Harvest
45-60d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
5–11
USDA hardiness
Height
3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Purple Top White Globe Turnip in USDA Zone 7
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Purple Top White Globe Turnip · Zones 5–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Height: Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet. Spread: Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet. Sun: Sun: Full sun to part shade. Water: Water: Medium. Zones: Zone: 2 to 11. Bloom time: Bloom Time: Flowers not showy. Maintenance: Maintenance: Medium.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
History & Origin
Family: Family: Brassicaceae
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Peas
Fix nitrogen in soil that turnips can utilize, and don't compete for root space
Lettuce
Shallow roots don't compete with turnips, and turnips provide light shade for lettuce
Spinach
Cool-season crop with similar growing requirements and non-competing root systems
Radishes
Help break up soil for turnip root development and mature quickly
Carrots
Different root depths prevent competition and both benefit from loose soil
Onions
Repel root maggots and other pests that commonly attack turnips
Garlic
Natural pest deterrent that protects turnips from aphids and root flies
Nasturtiums
Trap crop for aphids and flea beetles that would otherwise damage turnip leaves
Keep Apart
Mustard
Same family (Brassicaceae) leading to increased pest problems and soil nutrient depletion
Potatoes
May stunt turnip growth and both crops attract similar soil-borne diseases
Tomatoes
Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients and may inhibit turnip root development
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, some tolerance to clubroot
Common Pests
Flea beetles, cabbage root maggots, aphids
Diseases
Clubroot, black rot, downy mildew