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Purple Tip Turnip

COOL Season - Brassica

SOIL ADAPTABILITY:

 

Drainage:  Poorly to well-drained soils

 

Fertility:   Low tolerance of low soil fertility

 

pH Level:   5.3 - 6.8

 

Minimum Soil Germination Temp: 45°F

 

 

 

 

 

SEEDING / GROWTH:

 

 

Dates: 3-10 weeks before average first frost

 

Rates:

         Precision:   2 lb/A

           Drilled:          3 lb/A , 1/4' to 1/2' deep

         Broadcast:   4 lb/A

          Aerial:             5 lb/A

 

Average seeds/lb: 192,800

Inoculate: No

Emergence: 4-10 days

Height: 16" - 12"

 

Drought & Heat:  Low drought tolerance

                                      Good heat tolerance

 

Flooding:   Does not tolerate flooding or ponding

PROS:

  • Very good grazing crop

  • Rapid growth

  • Good for limited growing windows

  • Loosens soil-Deep tillage

  • Usually unaffected by early frost

 

 

 

CONS:

 

  • Attracts flea beetles (Cabbage & Striped)**Both flea beetles can be controlled with insecticides applied to the soil at planting.

  • Does not produce as much biomass as other brassicas

In the brassica world the Purple Top Turnip might not get the notoriety it deserves but it's still a fine choice for a cover crop.  It has the same nutrient scavenging capabilities as its famous cousin the Daikon Radish and is also a great source of forage for livestock.  The Purple Top Turnip is also a good choice for those growers who are looking to relieve compacted soils and to aid in water infiltration.  Keep in mind that the turnip also stands a greater chance of surviving the winter than the radish.  As with most brassicas, the turnip also possesses bio-fumigant characteristics to help control soil born pests.

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