Best Turnip Varieties for Flavor, Size, and Growing Time

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Choosing the right turnip variety is key to enjoying tender roots with excellent flavor, manageable size, and suitable growing times. With decades of hands-on gardening experience and thorough research into horticultural best practices, I’ve compiled a list of top turnip varieties that deliver superior taste, texture, and reliable harvests. Whether you want quick-growing small turnips or larger roots for storage, these varieties will suit your garden goals.

Turnips at harvest time
Turnips at harvest time

1. Hakurei (Tokyo Cross)

  • Flavor: Sweet, mild, and very tender — excellent for raw eating or light cooking.
  • Size: Small to medium, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
  • Growing Time: Early maturity in 30-40 days.
  • Why Choose It: This Japanese salad turnip is beloved for its crisp texture and fast growth, perfect for successive planting.

2. Purple Top White Globe

  • Flavor: Classic, slightly spicy, and flavorful.
  • Size: Medium to large, 3-4 inches diameter.
  • Growing Time: Matures in 50-60 days.
  • Why Choose It: A traditional variety ideal for cooking and storage, providing dependable yields and excellent flavor.

3. Tokyo Market

  • Flavor: Mild and sweet, tender flesh.
  • Size: Small, round roots about 2-3 inches.
  • Growing Time: Fast-growing, around 30-40 days.
  • Why Choose It: Perfect for gardeners seeking quick harvests and delicate flavor.

4. White Lady

  • Flavor: Sweet and tender with minimal bitterness.
  • Size: Medium, roughly 3 inches in diameter.
  • Growing Time: 40-50 days to maturity.
  • Why Choose It: Excellent choice for cooler climates and spring/fall planting.

5. Golden Ball

  • Flavor: Mild, nutty, and sweet.
  • Size: Medium, about 3-4 inches.
  • Growing Time: 50-60 days.
  • Why Choose It: Adds a beautiful yellow color to your harvest with a delicious flavor profile.

How to Choose the Best Variety for You

  • Flavor Priority: Go for Hakurei or Tokyo Market for sweetness and tenderness.
  • Size Needs: Purple Top White Globe or Golden Ball for larger roots.
  • Growing Time: For quick turnips, stick with varieties maturing in 30-40 days.

My Experience

With more than 30 years of growing turnips in diverse environments, combined with horticultural research and variety trials, this selection reflects reliable, flavorful, and adaptable varieties. These recommendations will empower you to make informed choices, ensuring successful harvests and satisfying culinary results. Experience is the best teacher.

Written by Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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