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Market Express turnips are a modern, versatile variety that delivers crisp, sweet, and nutrient‑rich baby roots. This guide shares step‑by‑step planting instructions, maintenance tips, and troubleshooting advice so you can enjoy a thriving crop year after year.
Derived from the classic Japanese market turnip, this cool‑season, high‑yield cultivar produces small, white, ribbed roots that are both flavorful and easy to cook. Because the shoots are delicate, the crop is best grown as a vegetable crop but can also serve as an attractive forage plant for wildlife.
The Brassica rapa species that forms Market Express dates back to ancient Roman times. Its original cultivation spanned North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, and it was later introduced to China, Japan, and the rest of the world.
Because turnips are biennial root vegetables, sowing in spring or late summer ensures a double harvest. They thrive in well‑drained, loose soil and need no special fertilizer beyond a balanced organic mix.
Use a loamy, well‑draining mix. Prior to planting, amend with compost or well‑rotten manure to boost nutrients. Avoid over‑fertilizing; a light organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks suffices.
Full sun (6–8 hrs/day) is ideal, but partial shade can help in hot climates.
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. A depth of 1 inch per week is adequate.
Optimal range: 65–80 °F (18–27 °C). Turnips can survive as low as 28 °F and as high as 86 °F.
Turnips are low‑maintenance once established. Watch for:
Harvest baby roots 30–45 days after sowing. For larger roots, wait until 45–50 days. Turnips store well in a cool, dry place; they can also be pickled for a crunchy, tangy treat.
Submerge 1 lb of roots in a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar. Refrigerate for 48 hrs before serving.
Answers to these and more are available on our blog. Contact us for personalized planting advice.
