When to Plant Turnip in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Turnips are a fast-growing, cool-season root crop that matures in 6-10 weeks. Both the root and the nutritious leafy tops (turnip greens) are edible. They are easier and faster than swedes, making them a better choice for warmer Australian zones where swedes struggle. An underrated vegetable that deserves a place in every winter garden.
Planting Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | D | D | D | — | — | — | — | D | D | D | D |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 18.9°C (optimal range: 7–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Turnip in Cold / Highland Australia
When to Plant
Plant September-March. Avoid the coldest months. Fast varieties give the quickest return in the short season.
- Soil
- Well-drained, fertile loam with good moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay or compacted soil which causes misshapen roots. Prepare with well-rotted compost.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun to light shade
- Spacing
- 12cm apart, 30cm between rows
- Watering
- Consistent, even moisture is critical. Irregular watering produces woody, pithy, bitter roots. Water deeply 2-3 times per week in dry conditions.
Companion plants: Pea, Onion, Garlic, Nasturtium (trap crop for aphids)
Avoid planting near: Other brassicas (shared pests and diseases), Strawberry
Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Turnip
Recommended Varieties
- Purple Top Milan
- White Globe
- Snowball
Key Challenges
- Short growing season
- Cold soil slows early sowings
- Cabbage root fly
Pro Tips
- Choose fast-maturing varieties (45-60 days)
- Start under cloches in early spring to extend the season
- Turnips tolerate light frost - they can extend into early autumn
Harvesting Turnip
When ready: Roots are 5-8cm diameter (golf ball to tennis ball size) for best flavour. Shoulder visible at soil level. Harvest EARLY - turnips become woody, pithy, and bitter if left too long.
How to harvest: Grasp foliage near crown and pull. Water bed beforehand if soil is dry. For larger winter types, loosen soil with a fork first.
Common Turnip Pests in Cold / Highland Zones
Organic prevention: Crop rotation. Keep soil moist. Remove brassica crop debris promptly.
Supermarket Price
Current average retail: $6.77/kg (range: $6.30–$7.00)
Grow your own and save on grocery bills.
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