Turnip, also known as shalgam, is a versatile vegetable used in a variety of dishes, from the classic shalgam ki sabzi to turnip poriyal from the south. This root vegetable is popular for its mild, slightly sweet flavour and crunchy texture, which enhance numerous recipes.
They are often added to soups, stews, and casseroles or simply roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. In Indian cuisine, turnips are used in flavourful curries and stir-fries apart from pulao.
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Growing turnips at home is a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. From selecting the right variety of turnip seeds to knowing the ideal harvesting time, this guide provides simple steps to follow for successful turnip cultivation:
Choose The Right Variety
The first main step before rooting turnips is to choose the right variety according to the climate and soil conditions of the region. Also, based on the types of turnips you want, like one with Purple Top White Globe, Golden Ball, Pusa Swarnima, Pusa Kanchan, Early Milan Red Top, and Snowball.
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Soil requirements
Turnips grow best in rich, well-drained soil, so they provide plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost for the root. Make sure to cultivate the soil till it becomes a fine crumble texture; also, ensure the area of the plantation is weed-free.
Also Read: How To Grow Peas In A Container At Home
Sowing The Seeds
Turnip roots require an open, sunny spot with moisture-resistant soil. Before sowing, choose a container with a good drainage hole in the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Fill the container with soil mix and sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart so that the root can get good nutrition. Cover the soil with hands and water it gently.
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Watering And Fertilising
Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as it can lead to problems like root rot. Water the turnip roots regularly, as they have shallow roots, ensuring frequent watering during dry spells.
However, for promoting healthy growth of the turnip root, feed them with balanced liquid fertilisers after 6 weeks of emergence; doing this will provide essential nutrients to the root, which will support leaf and root development.
Care And Monitor
Monitor the root; once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, thin them out to allow enough space for the roots of the turnip to grow and develop. Regularly remove the weaker seedlings, leaving the stronger ones, as this will prevent overcrowding in the container and give enough space for the remaining roots to grow.
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Also, if you see any weeds appearing in the container, remove them immediately, as they can lead to nutrition deficiency in the turnip root.
Harvesting
Turnip roots are usually ready for harvesting after 6–10 weeks after rooting, which furthermore depends on the variety. When the roots are small and tender, the roots are best to harvest at that time. However, for harvesting, you can gently pull them out of the soil by taking care not to damage the roots.