Golden Ball Turnip

Golden Ball Turnip is a globed golden yellow turnip reminiscent of the summer sun. Its vibrant golden skin and smooth, tender white flesh make it an appealing choice for both culinary enthusiasts and gardeners alike. This fast-growing turnip thrives in cool weather, offering a sweet, mellow and smooth flavor that works wonderfully in a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to hearty stews to mashed root veggies, and the greens are delicious for salads and cooked preparations. It’s perfect for small gardens, easily grown in window boxes or containers on an apartment balcony or patio, as it matures quickly and requires little maintenance, making it a great option for gardeners with limited space or experience. The Golden Ball Turnip is also packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.

Also Known As: American Turnip, White Turnip, Yellow Globe Turnip, Golden Globe Turnip, Golden Ball Rutabaga, Golden Round Turnip, Yellow Round Turnip, Globe Turnip, White Globe Turnip, Early Yellow Turnip, Yellow Root Turnip.

Plant Name:	Turnip, Golden Ball
Latin Name:	Brassica rapa var. rapa
Days to Germinate:	4-9
Days to Harvest:	55
Growth Habit:	Root
USDA Zones:	2-9
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 15 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Plant turnips in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked, about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date and the soil has warmed to about 45F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings outdoors 8-12 weeks before the first average frost date. In climates with mild winters, turnips can be planted all year. To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 2-4 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Turnips can also be planted in pairs down wider rows. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	2-4 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	15 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Turnips are ready for harvest when the roots have reached the desired size, usually around 2-3 inches in diameter for smaller varieties or up to 4-5 inches for larger ones, about 30 to 60 days after planting. It's best to harvest turnips when they are still young and tender, as older, larger turnips can become woody and bitter. To check for readiness, gently dig around the base of the turnip to see if the root has reached the right size. Use a fork or small shovel to lift the turnips carefully from the soil, being mindful not to damage the roots. Both the root and the leaves are edible, so you can harvest the leafy greens at the same time, cutting them off above the root to encourage further growth if you wish. If left too long in the ground, turnips can become tough, so it’s best to harvest them before they grow too large.