Purple Top White GlobeThis turnip variety is grown for both its mild-flavored, crisp roots and its greens. Roots are round and smooth with a purple shoulder and white beneath. The flavor is best in cool weather and when no more than 3" (7.5 cm) across. Use roots raw in salads and dips, or cooked. Prepare greens by steaming. Culture: For best flavor, time so plants develop during cool weather. Plants are frost tolerant. Direct seed in early spring (cover 1/4") and again in late summer/early fall (cover 1/2"). Water regularly and fertilize when 4" (10 cm) tall. Thinning is a must for all root crops. Try snipping the tops of unwanted plants as this action will not disrupt the root turnips left to mature. Use thinnings as greens. Harvest: Pick tender leaves as needed. Pull roots between 2"-3" (5-7.5 cm) diameter. Nutrition: Greens are high in vitamin A and C. Roots supply some vitamin C. Seed Saving: Turnips will cross-pollinate with other varieties of turnips, and should be isolated to ensure genetic purity. This vegetable must overwinter before producing seed. In warmer climates, a layer of mulch will be sufficient for protection. In colder climates, dig up the turnips; cut the tops to 1" and store them in damp sand at 33-40 degrees F until replanting in spring. The roots will send up flowering stalks. When the seed pods begin to turn brown, remove them before they shatter or dig up the entire plant and hang it upside down in a protected location to dry. Thresh the seed from the dry pods by crushing them. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years. Notes:
Seven TopAs the name implies, grown strictly for their tender, luscious vitamin-rich greens. Plants are easy to grow and come to maturity quickly. Best flavor when grown in cool weather. Prepare by steaming or cooking with other vegetables.
Culture: Sow seed outdoors in early spring and autumn. Plants are frost tolerant. water regularly and fertilize when 4" (10 cm) tall. Harvest: Leaves can be cut over a time period or all at once, from 40-50 days. Nutrition: Greens are high in vitamin A and C. Seed Saving: Dig up the turnips; cut the tops to 1" and store them in damp sand at 33-40 degrees F until replanting in spring. The roots will send up flowering stalks. When the seed pods begin to turn brown, remove them before they shatter or dig up the entire plant and hang it upside down in a protected location to dry. Thresh the seed from the dry pods by crushing them. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years. Notes:
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CategoriesFDL Seed Library
The FDL Seed Library is a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that you can borrow to plant and grow at home. By saving seeds as a community we help create local seed stocks that are better acclimated to our climate and which support an abundant and genetically diverse landscape.
We ask that seeds are “returned” by harvesting seeds from a plant or two that you grow. Donated seeds will help to add diversity to our collection. Archives
March 2022
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