Varieties

Turnips can be used either for greens or for roots. A variety developed for root production can be harvested for greens. A variety developed for greens may not produce a good root. Most varieties produce greens in 40 days. From 50 to 60 days are usually required to produce turnip roots.

Mustard varieties can be broad-leaved or curled. Broad-leaved mustard has a wide, flat leaf. Curled leaf mustard produces more narrow, wrinkled leaves similar to spinach. Curled mustard will stand more cold and can be grown later into the winter than broad-leaved mustard. Some gardeners do not like curled mustard because it is hard to wash sand and dirt from the wrinkled leaves. A well-mulched garden usually does not have this problem.

Turnips		Mustard
Greens	Roots	Broad-Leaved	Curled Leaf
Shogoin Seven Top	Purple Top White Globe Tokyo Hybrid Just Right Hybrid	Tendergreen Florida Broadleaf	Curled leaf Southern Giant Curled

After Planting

Keep the plants free of weeds especially when they are small. Pull the weeds by hand or use a hoe. Do not cut too deeply with a hoe or some crop roots may be cut.

Soak the rows with water each week if it does not rain. Water may be needed more often in some areas. Soak the soil well to develop a good root system.

When the plants become crowded in the row, thin them by pulling some plants. Small plants of both turnips and mustard make delicious greens. Thin mustard plants until they are 6 inches apart. Leave turnips 3 to 4 inches apart. Overcrowding prevents turnip roots from developing (see Figure 5).

Turnips and mustards need adequate nitrogen to develop dark green color. When the plants are 4 to 5 inches tall apply 1/2 cup of fertilizer for each 10 feet of row. Spread the fertilizer beside the plants, mix it lightly with the soil and water it into the soil. If your soil is sandy and the season is wet you need to apply more fertilizer later.