Turnip PURPLE TOP MILAN, organic seeds
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
Purple Top Milan is a popular and early-maturing turnip variety, grown mainly for its tender and juicy root. The root has a white lower part and a purple top, giving it an attractive appearance. This variety grows quickly and is suitable for fresh consumption as well as cooking.Sow small amounts every 3-4 weeks from late March until July.
Growing Purple Top Milan Turnip
Sowing:
- Direct sow seeds outdoors in spring when the soil has warmed to at least 5–10°C (40–50°F).
- Best sowing time: April–June (for an early crop) or late summer for a fall harvest.
- Sow seeds 1–2 cm (½ inch) deep, spacing 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) apart, with 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) between rows.
- Can be grown in raised beds or garden rows.
Growing conditions:
- Prefers full sun to partial shade, but grows best in sunny locations.
- Needs light, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Requires moderate watering—dry conditions make roots tough and bitter.
Care:
- Thin seedlings when they are about 5 cm (2 inches) tall to avoid overcrowding.
- Apply moderate fertilization, as too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth over root development.
- Protect from pests (such as flea beetles and aphids) using row covers or organic pest control methods.
Harvest and storage:
- Harvest 40–60 days after sowing, when roots reach 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) in diameter.
- Younger roots are more tender and flavorful than older, larger ones.
- Store in a cool, humid environment such as a root cellar or sand-filled container.
Packet 100 seeds
