High sugar content and high moisture content in the bulbs contribute to the palatability of purple top turnips. High in both potassium and calcium, purple top turnips will accumulate sulfur over time as well. Production of 6,000 lbs. dry matter per acre is possible without irrigation, and 8,000 lbs. dry matter per acre is possible with irrigation.
| Growth Pattern | Purple top turnips produce a 2”–5” in diameter bulb with erect stems that contain 8-12 leaves forming a crown. Leaves are light green in color, hairy, and thin. Flowers are a soft yellow and extend above the terminal buds. |
| Interseeding | Not Recommended |
| Did You Know? | Purple Top Turnips have been grown as forage for 600 years. Seeds/Lb: 180,000 – 200,000 |
| Soil Conditions | Turnips grow best on moderately deep loam, fertile, and slightly acidic soil. Tolerant of partial shade and temperatures down to 40°F, avoid grounds that are wet/poorly drained. Turnips will winterkill in temperatures less than 25°F. Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Growth | Optimum Growth Range: 45°F – 90°F (prolonged exposure greater than 70°F will slow growth) |
| Planting | Purple top turnips can achieve maturity in 30-45 days, with near maximum production levels in 70-90 days. Planting should occur with 2” separation and 12”-18” between rows. Seeding can happen as soon as soils are workable in the spring. If fall seeding, sow seeds about two months before the first frost in your area. Soils should be loose to a depth of 12”–15”, and seedlings thinned to a spacing between 3”–4” inches. Seeding Depth: ½” – 1″ Monoculture: 5 – 6 Lb/A |
| Germination | Conserve soil moisture and keep plants moist by mulching. Cultivate soils down 2” – 3” when plants are small but discontinue as plants get larger to avoid feeder root damage. Min Time To Emergence: 6 – 10 days Ideal Temp: 40°F – 105°F |
| Grazing | Colder temperatures will assist in enhancing turnip palatability. Ensure that dry roughage is available to mitigate some unfavorable conditions when grazing brassicas and specifically turnips. Strip graze to force cattle to eat both roots and tops and increase carrying capacity. Earliest Time To Graze: When bulbs are 3″ or larger | Fertilizing | At Planting: 40 Lb/A N – 70 Lb/A N During Grazing Season: Not Applicable | Hay/Silage | Not Recommended | Recovery | Minimum Graze Height: 2″ – 3″ Rest Period: Not Applicable | Mixes |
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| Yield | Tons of Dry Matter/A: 6+ (under ideal growing conditions) |
Purple Top Turnips are not well suited to a role as permanent pasture.
| Competition | Weeds will need to be thinned prior to planting. Plants will become competitive over time. | Risks | Do not graze animals on turnips during breeding season or after plants have begun to flower to avoid nitrogen toxicity or thyroid enlargement. Grazing turnips can cause the blood mineral disease hemolytic anemia, brain disorder polioencephalomalacia, pulmonary emphysema, and bloat. Typically these problems will appear within the first couple of weeks of grazing. Mitigate issues by gradually introducing a diet that includes turnips. | Diseases | Avoid growing brassicas on the same site for more than two years in a row.
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All information provided is the result of research, our own experience, or the experiences shared by our customers.
We strongly encourage consulting additional resources before planting to ensure the best fit for your location and needs.
For questions or advice or to share your experience, contact us.
360 Forage
P.O. Box 50
Shedd, OR 97377-0050
541-928-0102
sales@saddlebutte.com
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