Turnip (Brassica rapa)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Brassica rapa is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour and some people find them indigestible. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; The cooked leaves make an acceptable vegetable, though they are coarser than the related cabbage.; They are more often used as a spring greens, sowing the plants in the autumn and allowing them t overwinter.; Young leaves can also be added in small quantities to salads, they have a slightly hot cabbage-like flavour and some people find them indigestible.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. (Zone 7)