TURNIP Seeds, Purple Top White Globe

Purple Top White Globe (Brassica rapa) is a classic heirloom turnip with smooth, round roots that are purple above the soil line and creamy white below. A dual-purpose variety grown for both its mild, sweet roots and its edible greens.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Brassica rapa 'Purple Top White Globe'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated root vegetable
• Days to maturity: about 50 to 55 days
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: thin to 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart
• Planting depth: 1/2 inch
• Root size: about 3 to 4 inches across

Best for

• Roasting and mashing
• Soups and stews
• Cooking the greens like other braising greens
• Fall harvests sweetened by frost
• Storage through winter

How to grow

Direct sow 1/2 inch deep in loose, fertile, well-drained soil in cool weather, in spring or late summer for a fall crop. Thin seedlings so roots can size up, and keep moisture consistent for tender, mild roots. Harvest the roots young at 2 to 3 inches for the best texture, or after light frost for added sweetness.

Flavor profile

Mild, sweet, and slightly earthy; the young roots are crisp raw and turn creamy when cooked.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms specializes in non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom seeds chosen for flavor and reliability, so you can grow proven varieties and save seed season after season.

Sold by 99Heirlooms.com, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.