Brassica rapa Sweetbell F1

The 'Sweetbell' F1 turnip is an attractive variety, characterised by its round and regular roots that are white with purple shades. This vegetable is an annual herbaceous plant that reaches a height of 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in). It is grown for its spherical roots that are 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. Its white flesh is crispy, firm, and sweet. This turnip can be eaten raw, grated and added to salads, or prepared as carpaccio. Of excellent taste quality, it brings all its flavours when cooked in soup, or as a side dish for savoury meals. Rich in vitamins, the leaves can be cooked like spinach. Easy to grow and with a high yield, it is suitable for all types of soil, but it is important to maintain constant moisture to ensure quality roots. Sow under cold shelters from January to March for spring harvest, or sow outdoors from March to August for harvest 2 to 3 months later.

The turnip has been known since prehistoric times and has always been part of the diet of people in Northern Europe. It is often consumed cooked, in gratin, mashed, or as an accompaniment to soup, pot-au-feu, and stew. Baby turnips do not need to be peeled and can be eaten raw, grated and mixed with other raw vegetables. The young turnip leaves can also be consumed in soups. Turnips have diuretic, refreshing, and remineralising properties, and contain vitamins (A, B5, B6, C, PP) and minerals (calcium, iron, copper, magnesium).

The many varieties of turnip allow for year-round harvesting. This root vegetable comes in many shapes (long, semi-long, round or flat) and colours (white, yellow, pink, or violet).

Turnips require the addition of well-decomposed compost (3 kg/m²) in late autumn or early spring.

Harvest: turnips are usually harvested two months after sowing. Spring-summer turnips can be harvested according to needs and desired size, from May to July. Autumn-winter varieties, intended for storage, can be harvested from October and before the first frost. To harvest them, lift with a garden fork and gently pull on the base of the leaves.

Storage: let the turnips dry for a few hours on the ground and cut the foliage above the collar. Turnips can be stored for several months in a root cellar or in sand, in a cool and dark place.

Gardener's tip: planting fennel next to the turnip helps repel flea beetles and turnip flies. If necessary, for better protection, use a forcing net or an insect net. Carry out regular weeding and hoeing.