Knowing when to pick turnips is the key to enjoying their best flavor and texture. This guide will help you get the timing just right, whether you’re growing them for crisp roots or tender greens.
Harvesting at the perfect moment makes all the difference. A turnip picked too young might be small, while one left too long can become woody and bitter. Let’s look at the clear signs that your turnips are ready.
When To Pick Turnips
This is your main rule of thumb. Most turnip varieties are ready to pull when the root is about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. You can check this without guessing.
Gently brush away the soil from the top of the root, right at the base of the greens. This lets you see the actual size. It’s a simple trick that prevents unnecessary damage.
Checking for Visual Cues
Size is your first clue, but looks matter too. A turnip ready for harvest often has a vibrant color. Purple-top turnips will show a bright purple crown pushing up through the soil surface.
The shoulder of the root becomes visible. This is a sure sign it’s bulking up nicely. The skin should look smooth and firm, not wrinkled or cracked.
The Feel Test
Don’t just look—feel. A mature turnip root will feel solid and dense when you give it a gentle squeeze. If it feels spongy or soft, it might be over-mature or have internal issues.
Use your fingers to assess. A good, crisp turnip should feel heavy for its size. This indicates high water content and freshness.
What About the Greens?
The leaves tell a important story. Lush, green, and healthy tops usually mean a healthy root underneath. You can actually harvest greens earlier without taking the whole root.
Just snip a few outer leaves from each plant. This “cut-and-come-again” method gives you a continuous supply. For a full root harvest, vibrant greens are a positive indicator.
Seasonal Timing Factors
When you planted dictates when you’ll harvest. There are two main growing seasons for turnips.
- Spring Turnips: Planted in early spring for a late spring or early summer harvest. These often grow faster and are best picked on the smaller side (around 2 inches) for a sweeter, more tender taste.
- Fall Turnips: Planted in late summer for a fall harvest. These are the classic storage turnips. They can grow larger and benefit from a light frost, which makes them even sweeter.
Fall turnips are more forgiving on size. You can often leave them a bit longer, especially if you want them for winter storage. Cool weather improves their flavor.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Instructions
Once you’ve determined your turnips are ready, follow these steps for a clean harvest.
- Water the Day Before: Moist soil makes pulling turnips much easier. Give them a good soak to loosen the earth around the roots.
- Grip and Wiggle: Firmly grasp the base of the greens where they meet the root. Gently wiggle the turnip back and forth to loosen it from the soil.
- Pull Straight Up: Once loose, pull the turnip straight upward with steady pressure. Avoid a sharp yank, which can break the greens off and leave the root in the ground.
- Shake Off Soil: Gently shake off excess soil. Do not wash the turnips if you plan to store them; brushing off dry dirt is better.
- Trim the Tops: For storage, twist off or cut the greens about half an inch above the root crown. This prevents the greens from drawing moisture out of the root.
If the soil is very hard, use a garden fork to careful loosen it beside the row before pulling. This prevents damage to the roots.
Harvesting Turnip Greens Separately
You don’t have to wait for the root to enjoy your turnips. The greens are a nutritious bonus. Here’s how to harvest them without harming the developing root.
- Start when greens are 4 to 6 inches tall.
- Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
- Cut only the outer, older leaves, leaving the small inner leaves at the center to continue growing.
- Never remove more than one-third of the total leaves at one time.
This method allows the plant to keep growing so you can harvest greens multiple times and still get a root later. The young, tender leaves are best for salads, while older leaves are great for cooking.
What Happens if You Pick Too Late?
Timing is crucial because turnips don’t just wait for you. An over-mature turnip undergoes several changes that affect quality.
The root becomes woody and fibrous. It loses its pleasant, crisp texture and becomes tough to chew, even after cooking. The flavor intensifies, often becoming unpleasantly strong, bitter, or overly pungent.
Large, old turnips are more prone to cracking or splitting, especially if there’s uneven watering. They can also develop a hollow or pithy core, which is undesirable. If you find a giant turnip, it’s likely best for the compost pile unless you confirm it’s still tender.
Signs of Over-Maturity
- Root diameter larger than 4 inches (for most common varieties).
- Skin appears rough, cracked, or wrinkled.
- Greens may start to yellow or bolt (send up a flower stalk).
- Root feels very hard and dense when squeezed.
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
What you do after picking is just as important. Proper handling ensures your harvest lasts.
For immediate use, you can wash the roots and greens. Use them within a week. Store them in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
For long-term storage of fall harvests, follow these tips:
- Do not wash the roots. Just brush off dry soil.
- Trim the tops to ½ inch, as mentioned.
- Store in a cool, humid place like a root cellar, basement, or a cold garage where temperatures stay just above freezing.
- Place them in a box layered with slightly damp sand, peat moss, or sawdust. This prevents them from drying out.
Stored correctly, fall turnips can last for several months. Check them periodically and remove any that show signs of spoilage to protect the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave turnips in the ground too long?
Yes, absolutely. Leaving turnips in the ground past their prime leads to woody, bitter roots. They are also more susceptible to pest damage and freezing if left into hard winter frosts.
How do you know when turnips are ready to be picked?
Check the root diameter (2-3 inches), look for the colored “shoulder” pushing through the soil, and ensure the root feels firm and solid. The greens should be lush.
What is the best time of day to harvest turnips?
Early morning is ideal. The plants are full of water from the night, making them crisp and helping them last longer after picking.
Do turnips get bigger if you leave them in the ground?
They will continue to grow larger, but quality declines rapidly after maturity. For eating fresh, bigger is not better with turnips.
Can you eat turnips after they flower?
Once a turnip bolts (sends up a flower stalk), the root’s energy goes into seed production. The root becomes very tough and bitter and is not good for eating, though the flowers are edible.
By paying attention to size, feel, and the calendar, you’ll master the art of harvesting turnips. A perfectly timed harvest rewards you with the crisp, sweet, and flavorful roots that make growing your own food so satisfying.