Turnips are more complex than they first appear. Don’t let this seemingly simple root vegetable deceive you. Biologist and gardening fan Talha Mushtaq shares 21 different kinds of turnips that you can plant in your garden this fall. Turnips are hardy to cold weather, don’t need much care, and can grow in both sun and shade, so they can be used in almost any garden.
Even though their cousins the potatoes are more famous, turnips have a lot of different qualities that can make any garden or cooking experience better.
Each type has its own flavor, texture, and growing needs, from the bright colors of “Red Round” to the dark vibes of “Noir Long Black.”
Let’s get down to the ground and pull up 21 different kinds of turnips.
1. “Amber Globe”
Roots that are pale yellow taste light and sweet.
Name of the Plant
Rose rapa ‘Amber Globe’
How tall
14–20”
Days to Grow Up
55 to 65
The flowers in “Amber Globe” are round and pale yellow, and they are smooth. There are small seeds in this turnip, and it tastes mildly sweet. For the best taste, pick the roots when they are 3 to 4 inches across, but this type can easily grow to 6 inches across.
Most turnips do best when planted in the fall, but ‘Amber Globe’ does best when planted in the spring. “Amber Globe” grows slowly and is ready to be picked in 55 to 65 days. Being a “good keeper” means that this type can be kept for a long time as long as the right conditions are met.
2. “Des Vertus Marteau”
Its mild flavor and unique oblong form make it ideal for roasting.
Name of the Plant
Rosa rapa ‘des Vertus Marteau’
How tall
12–18”
Days to Grow Up
35–45
The long, cylindrical curve of this type of turnip makes it stand out from others. This is a French traditional turnip called “Des Vertus Marteau.” The roots come in different shades of white, but most of them are solid creamy white. But some of them have shoulders that are a little purple.
It’s simple to roast or mash the roots because they are firm but have a mild taste.”Des Vertus Marteau” is a type that grows quickly and is fully grown in 35 days. Roots should be picked when they are 4 to 6 inches long and 2 inches across. The long shape of this turnip makes it simple to cut in the kitchen!
3. “Fuku Komachi”
Fresh salads go wonderfully with these sweet, globe-shaped roots.
Name of the Plant
Radix rapa ‘Fuku Komachi’
How tall
12–18”
Days to Grow Up
35 to 40
This is a type of Japanese turnip, and the roots are excellent for eating fresh in salads or as a snack. The roots are shaped like globes and are completely white. The skins are thin and smooth. The leafy tops are a bright green color.
When the roots are about 2 inches across, they are ready to be picked. Even when it’s cooler outside, this type grows quickly, making it a popular crop for fall. Also, “Fuku Komachi” takes a long time to bolt, which means it keeps its sweet taste and soft texture for longer.
4. “Gold Ball”
Nutty, mild bulbs that are golden in color taste great.
Name of the Plant
Black rapeseed (Gold Ball)
How tall
12–24”
Days to Grow Up
45 to 60
“Gold Ball,” which is also known as “Orange Jelly,” is an heirloom type that came to North America for the first time in the 1850s. The skin on this type is smooth, and the meat is a beautiful golden color. If you store it the right way, it will last for several months.
“Gold Ball” tastes gentle and a little nutty. Roots can get up to 4 to 5 inches across, but they taste best when they are only 3 to 4 inches across when they are picked. This type is liked by many, even those who don’t usually enjoy turnips!
5. “Hakurei”
They are light and crisp, and the fruity flavor is very delicious.
Name of the Plant
Brassica rapa var. hakurei
How tall
12–18”
Days to Grow Up
35 to 40
Unlike some types of storage turnips, “Hakurei” doesn’t need to be cooked before it can be eaten. Japanese turnips, called “hakurei,” have a mild, slightly sweet taste and a crisp texture. Roots and leafy green tops can both be eaten, raw or just barely cooked.
The skin of this type is smooth and clear white. It only takes 35 days to harvest “Hakurei” because it grows so fast. Roots should be picked when they are about 2 inches across.
6. “Hirosaki Red”
They are bright red and have a crisp, slightly spicy taste.
Name of the Plant
Rosa rapa ‘Hirosaki Red’
How tall
12–18”
Days to Grow Up
40–45
“Hirosaki Red,” another Japanese turnip, is half-globe-shaped and has deep ruby red skin and white meat inside. The stems and leaves on top of the bright red roots are green and red. You can eat this turnip fresh or lightly cooked. It has a slightly spicy taste.
It usually only takes 45 days for “Hirosaki Red” to reach full maturity. If you want the crispiest structure, pick the roots when they are about 2 inches across.
7. “Just Right”
They taste delicious even when they’re big.
Name of the Plant
Raphia brassica “Just Right”
How tall
12–24”
Days to Grow Up
60–70
While most types of turnips get worse as they get bigger, ‘Just Right’ keeps its soft texture and mild taste even as its roots get close to 6 inches wide. The roots are completely white and have a blocky, kind of flat shape. The big green leaves can grow up to 24 inches tall and can be picked, cooked, and eaten.
“Just Right” is a turnip that can handle cold temperatures well, but it likes to bolt when it gets warmer. This type is ideal for fall because it can store well and has these qualities. “Just Right” takes longer to grow and is ready to eat in 60 to 70 days.
8. “Market Express”
They taste mild, like radish.
Name of the Plant
“White Lady” Brassica rapa
How tall
6 to 12”
Days to Grow Up
30 to 40
The ‘Market Express’ type of turnips is growing quickly and has a mild, radish-like taste. You can eat the leafy green tops, which taste excellent and are a little spicy. Both the roots and the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.
Withstanding frost, “Market Express” can easily handle temperatures as low as -2°C (28°F). Plant seeds in late summer or early fall. After just 30 days, you can pick “baby turnips” that are 2 inches wide, or you can wait 40 days for full-size roots that are 4-5 inches wide.
9. “Night Long Black”
This beautiful turnip tastes sweet and creamy.
Name of the Plant
African brassica rapa “Noir Long Black”
How tall
18–22”
Days to Grow Up
50 to 55
Don’t be fooled by this black root that looks scary! “Noir Long Black” is simple to spot because its roots are long and black, and its meat is soft and white. It is known for having a sweet and creamy taste, which makes it a popular raw food in salads and slaws.
This is a rare heirloom type from southwestern France called “Noir Long Black,” which is also known as “Noir Long de Caluire.” The climate and soil in this area are thought to give this turnip its unique taste.
It’s best to harvest “Noir Long Black” turnips before the ground freezes, 50 to 55 days after planting them. The cool fall weather brings out the sweetness of this turnip. This variety is known not only for its taste but also for how well it holds up and stores. It is a great fall-keeper crop.
10. ‘Oasis’
These sweet flowers have a soft, juicy texture.
Name of the Plant
Corn (Brassica rapa “Oasis”)
How tall
12–16”
Days to Grow Up
25–55
A famous Japanese hybrid turnip that looks like “Hakurei” is called “Oasis.” The roots are bright white and have a delicate feel. They are slightly oval in shape. Even though it looks weak, this turnip is tough and can handle downy mildew well.
“Oasis” tastes sweet, almost like melon. It stays juicy and sweet no matter what size it is when it is picked. Because “Oasis” is so soft, it’s ideal for eating fresh in salads.
11. “Purple Top Milan”
This beautiful classic grows quickly and does well in cold weather.
Name of the Plant
A type of cabbage called “Purple Top Milan”
How tall
16–22”
Days to Grow Up
45 to 60
This Italian heirloom type of turnip is lovely and simple to grow. It is also known as “Milan Purple Top.” Roots that are flat and blocky have deep purple shoulders and white undersides. The long stems can grow up to 22 inches tall and are either green or have a faint purple tint to them.
“Purple Top Milan” is a popular crop for fall because it can handle cold weather well. It grows quickly and can be picked in 45 days. For the best taste and texture, pick roots when they’re only about 2 to 3 inches across.
12. ‘Purple Top White Globe’
This heirloom variety can handle frost and has lovely roots and a mild taste.
Name of the Plant
“Purple Top White Globe” Brassica rapa
How tall
14–22”
Days to Grow Up
50 to 55
The name “Purple Top White Globe” accurately describes its round, white roots and bright purple shoulders that rise above the soil. This type dates back to the late 1800s and is still very common today. Even though it looks nice, this turnip is tough and can handle frost. It is a wonderful crop for the fall yard.
Roots are ready to be picked when they are 3 to 4 inches across, but they can easily get as big as 5 to 6 inches. The meat of the “Purple Top White Globe” is finely ground, and it tastes mildly sweet. The big leaves with deep lobes look appealing and can be cooked and eaten.
13. “Red Round”
This colorful variety has bright red skin and a mild taste.
Name of the Plant
Black rapeseed (Red Round)
How tall
18–20”
Days to Grow Up
50 to 55
“Red Round” is a beautiful Japanese type with bright red skin and a half-globed shape. The skin inside is mostly white, with a touch of magenta. The roots and veins of the leafy tops are red, which makes them stand out.
This turnip grows quickly, usually in 50 to 55 days, and is about the size of a tennis ball. “Red Round” turnips are loved by both gardeners and chefs because they grow quickly, have a pretty red skin, and have a mild taste.
14. “Royal Crown”
This hybrid has sweet roots and thick, healthy greens.
Name of the Plant
Royal Crown Brassica rapa
How tall
14–22”
Days to Grow Up
50 to 55
“Royal Crown” is a hybrid type that is known for having tasty roots and healthy greens. The roots of this turnip are all the same shape and slightly flattened, and the shoulders are spotted with purple.
People love these turnips because they have a sweet, mild taste that stays the same even as they get bigger; they are simple to pick when they are 4 inches wide. The tops are shorter than those of some other types, but there are more leaves on each plant because the sprouts are closer together.
The ‘Royal Crown’ variety grows slowly, usually in 50 days, and is suitable for growing in both spring and fall. This type of plant grows quickly and doesn’t bolt, which makes it a favorite among farmers who want a reliable crop.
15. ‘Scarlet Ohno Revival’
Bright skins make any food look and taste better!
Name of the Plant
Scarlet Ohno Revival is a type of brassica.
How tall
16 to 18”
Days to Grow Up
55
This brightly colored turnip will look great in your yard and on your plate. The roots of “Scarlet Ohno Revival” have bright pink skin, which is a lot like the skin of “Red Round.” The inside is pink and white with streaks, and it’s crisp and crunchy. The roots and leaves are pink, and the tops are leafy green.
This type is fully grown in about 55 days. If you want the best taste, pick “Scarlet Ohno Revival” when they are 2 inches across. The taste of this turnip is mild and tasty, and it tastes even better when pickled.
16. “Seven Top.”
Leafy greens make any dish taste great and are good for you.
Name of the Plant
Seven Top Brassica rapa
How tall
12–18”
Days to Grow Up
45 to 50
Turnips are more than just their seeds, as “Seven Top” shows. People mostly grow this type for its leafy green tops, which can be eaten raw or cooked. These “turnip greens” are a mainstay of classic Southern cooking. They taste great and are high in iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A. You can eat the long, white roots when they are still young, but they are tough and hard compared to other types.
Plant “Seven Top” in the fall to get fresh greens early in the winter. It only takes 45 days for this type to be fully grown. If you’d rather eat the leaves as microgreens, “Seven Top” can be picked even earlier (7–10 days!).
17. “Shogoin”
This type does best in warm weather.
Name of the Plant
Brassica rapa ‘Shogoin’
How tall
16 to 24”
Days to Grow Up
30-70
Shogoin is a traditional Japanese turnip that is grown for both its mild greens and tasty roots. People who plant in the south should grow this type of turnip because it does much better in dry conditions and warm temperatures than most other types.
Put “Shogoin” where it will get full sun.
The roots of the ‘Shogoin’ plant are round and white, and they taste earthy and sweet. They’re ready in 40 to 70 days. Greens that are tasty and soft can be picked in as little as 30 days after they grow to be about 2 feet tall.
18. “Tokyo Silky Sweet”
Roots straight from the yard are the tastiest and most juicy.
Name of the Plant
Radix rapa “Tokyo Silky Sweet”
How tall
16 to 18”
Days to Grow Up
40–45
“Tokyo Silky Sweet” is the turnip for you if you like to eat things straight from the yard. This Japanese variety has smooth, satiny white roots that taste incredibly sweet and juicy. Great for salads or eating straight up.
When they are about 3 inches across, they are ready to be picked.
Besides having a great taste, “Tokyo Silky Sweet” grows quickly and doesn’t get white rust very often. This type does well in warm weather, which makes it a great fall crop for farmers in the south.
19. “Topper”
Take advantage of many harvests of soft, tasty fresh greens!
Name of the Plant
“Topper” Brassica rapa leaves
How tall
24-28”
Days to Grow Up
35 to 40
Like the plant called “Seven Top,” “Topper” is grown mostly for its leaves. Dark green leaves that stand up straight are soft and tasty, especially if they are picked early. You can pick the greens up to 35 days after planting them. A single plant can give you up to four harvests, as long as the crown is not broken.
“Topper” is known for its rapid growth (leaves can get up to 28 inches tall) and strong resistance to bolting. It grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. “Topper” is also pretty resistant to mildew and bugs.
20. “White Egg”
Get the soft, egg-shaped roots that have a mild taste!
Name of the Plant
Chicken rapeseed (White Egg)
How tall
16 to 18”
Days to Grow Up
45 to 50
Yes, “White Egg” is shaped like an egg and is a snowy white color. The turnips grow quickly and have a green top that grows above the ground. They have a delicate, mild taste that gets stronger as the root is stored.
Pick “White Egg” when it’s about two to three inches across. Because these turnips are small and have a unique shape, market farmers will love bunching them together. This type grows quickly, and in 45 days it’s ready to be picked.
21. “White Lady”
Enjoy round, crisp bulbs that taste mild and fresh!
Name of the Plant
“White Lady” Brassica rapa
How tall
16–20”
Days to Grow Up
30-35
“White Lady” is a salad or Japanese mix turnip with attractive white roots that are all the same size and shape. Turnips are crisp and crunchy, and they taste mildly radish-like. They are best when eaten fresh. You can pick them when they’re 2 inches across, but this type keeps its soft feel better than others as it ages.
“White Lady” is a strong turnip that can be picked in just one month. The bright green, mostly smooth leaves are also great for eating. The greens can be picked more than once while the bottoms grow, as long as the plant’s head isn’t hurt.