Turnip

Grow nutritious, peppery Turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) with Souq Garden's healthy plants. Turnip roots and greens are popular in Middle Eastern, Indian, and European cuisines—pickled, roasted, mashed, or stir-fried. Delivered across Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.

Why Turnip Thrives in UAE Winter Gardens

Turnips are cool-season brassicas that develop sweet, crisp roots in UAE temperatures of 10-22°C between November and March. Their fast 50-70 day maturity allows two successions per cool season, making turnips a productive home garden choice.

Key Features and Specifications

• Botanical name: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Maturity: 50-70 days from sowing
• Root size: 5-10cm diameter
• Root colour: White with purple shoulders
• Edible parts: Roots and leafy greens
• Plant spacing: 10cm × 25cm
• Sun: Full sun to part shade

Care Guide

Sowing

Direct sow 1cm deep in October-February. Thin seedlings to 10cm apart at 2-true-leaf stage.

Soil

Loose, well-drained sandy loam pH 6.0-7.0. Amend UAE soil with compost and avoid fresh manure.

Watering

Consistent moisture (2cm weekly) prevents woody, cracked roots.

Feeding

Light feeding only. Excess nitrogen causes leafy growth at expense of roots.

Harvest

Pull when 5-8cm diameter for tender, sweet roots. Larger roots become woody.

Best Uses

• Middle Eastern pickled turnip (lifet)
• Roasted turnips with honey
• Turnip and lentil soup (shorba)
• Mashed turnips as low-carb potato substitute
• Sautéed turnip greens with garlic

Common Problems and Solutions

• Woody roots: Over-mature or under-watered—harvest on time and irrigate steadily.
• Forked roots: Stony soil or fresh manure—sieve soil and use compost.
• Aphids: Spray neem oil weekly.
• Cabbage worms: Apply BT spray.
• Bolting: Heat stress—plant in cool months.

Why Buy Turnip Plants from Souq Garden

Souq Garden delivers healthy turnip plants and seeds across all seven Emirates with same-day Dubai delivery and next-day shipping to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When should I plant turnips in UAE?
October through February for winter harvests.

Q2: Are turnip leaves edible?
Yes—turnip greens are highly nutritious and cooked like spinach or kale.

Q3: How do I know turnips are ready?
Roots should be 5-8cm diameter with shoulders visible above soil.

Q4: Can I grow turnips in containers?
Yes—use 20-25cm deep pots with loose soil.

Q5: How long do turnips store?
2-3 weeks refrigerated; greens use within 5 days.

Q6: Are turnips peppery or sweet?
Young turnips are sweet and mild; older roots become more peppery and sharp.