Purple Top White Globe Turnip Seeds

Days to Maturity: 57 from direct sow

Purple Top White Globe is the classic name in American turnips, grown in the south for generations and beloved both for its smooth roots and for its flavorful, lobed, mid-green tops, which make excellent greens. Generous harvests and superior flavor are the hallmarks of this fine vegetable.

The roots are best harvested at 3 to 4 inches in diameter, though they will reach 5 or even 6 inches around if allowed to. The flesh is fine-grained and very sweet, with a mild yet satisfying bite. They can also be harvested young (about 2 inches in diameter) for tender gourmet baby turnips.

Purple Top White Globe takes its name from the look of its roots. Round and smooth, they are pure white underground, with the aboveground shoulders turning lavender. Very attractive.

Turnips are easy to grow in spring or fall. Harvest the greens as the roots grow; they will regrow several times as long as the crown isn't damaged.

Direct sow the seed in spring or late summer, covering it with just ½-inch of soil and spacing the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart. Turnips are frost tolerant and the roots will hold well in the soil if harvest is delayed. This variety also serves as a cover crop that returns needed nutrients to the soil and a forage crop that provides food for livestock and wildlife.

Pkt is 1/16 ounce (at least 600 seeds), which sows about 25 feet of row.