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:
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Very good grazing crop
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Rapid growth
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Good for limited growing windows
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Loosens soil-Deep tillage
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Usually unaffected by early frost
CONS:
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Attracts flea beetles (Cabbage & Striped)**Both flea beetles can be controlled with insecticides applied to the soil at planting.
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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.