The Story
Plant Bio
Purple Top is a variety of turnip known for its purple skin and white flesh; it is grown for both its edible roots and greens.
This cultivar is particularly valued for its vibrant purple pigmentation and high yield in cool-season gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fruit Vegetable
Height
18 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Eurasia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds ½ inch deep in well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once established.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every 4 weeks.
- Harvest leaves when young for tender greens or roots in late fall.
Pro Tip
Sow seeds successively every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Apply organic compost monthly
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don't over-fertilize to prevent leaf bitterness
- Refrain from overcrowding plants
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Purple Top Turnip questions
What zones can Purple Top Turnip grow in?
Purple Top Turnip is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Purple Top Turnip deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple Top Turnip, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Purple Top Turnip bloom?
Purple Top Turnip typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Purple Top Turnip need full sun?
Purple Top Turnip does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Brassica to compare
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Brassica rapa 'Chinese Cabbage'
Osaka Purple Mustard
Brassica juncea 'Osaka Purple'
Vates Champion Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea 'Vates Champion'
Romanesco Cauliflower 'Veronica'
Brassica oleracea 'Veronica'
Darkibor Kale
Brassica oleracea 'Darkibor'
Ornamental Kale
Brassica oleracea 'Richmond's Pride'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Purple Top Turnip with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.