<< Back to Gardening TipsTurnip Greens
Turnip greens are easy to grow in any well-drained soil. Set out turnip green transplants 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost in spring and from late August to October for a fall crop in most areas. In zones 9 and 10 they can be planted throughout fall and winter. Like collards, kale, and other greens, turnip greens need to grow fast to produce nice, tender leaves. They aren’t too fussy about soil, growing well in a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.8, and doing okay even in poor sandy soil. Ideally, you should enrich the ground with Blessings Blends OMRI-Listed Premium Compost (.5 – .5 – .4) before setting out transplants, but unless the soil is extremely poor, turnip greens probably won’t disappoint you.
Set the transplant pots 6 to 8 inches apart, and do not try to thin or separate seedlings if there are several in the container. Turnip greens don’t mind growing in small clumps as long as each little group has ample elbow room. Although they are a variety that will make turnips, don’t expect great roots from crowded plants. They are sown with just the leaves in mind.
Turnip greens need steady water more than they need rich soil, so keep them watered during typically dry fall weather.
