Turnip Growing Guide Brassica rapa subsp. rapa Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Any reasonably fertile well-drained soil. Position Sun or partial shade. Frost tolerant Yes, survives mild frosts, can protect with straw. Feeding Not usually required. Spacing Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum) Rows: 15cm (5") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Early sowings can be under cover in late winter and planted out under cloches in early spring. Otherwise sow direct into soil from mid spring to mid summer. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Keep watered in dry weather. Harvesting Can be harvested from late summer onwards. Lift main crop in mid autumn and store to prevent them becoming woody in texture. Troubleshooting Spring crops bolt to seed quickly, so pull them when the roots are perfect. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Turnip Aphids (General) Cabbage Moth Cabbage Root Fly Cabbage White Butterfly Diamondback Moth Flea Beetle Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Turnip Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Club Root Brassica Downy Mildew