Plant Profile

May turnipBrassica rapa var. majalis

Fast-growing, tender root vegetable for early cultivation.

May turnip (Brassica rapa var. majalis): plant portrait - Root vegetables, Mustard family, Harvest May - October
May turnip: plant portrait. harvest: May - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sowing outdoors
Harvest
Direct sowing outdoorsHarvest

Good neighbors

LettuceSpinachPeasBeans

Avoid

Other brassicas (cabbage, radishes, daikon)StrawberriesTomatoes

Indoor & direct sowing

May turnip: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

May turnips are typically direct-sown outdoors.

Direct sowing outdoors

For an early harvest, sow from March under fleece or foil. Later sowings until August for an autumn harvest.

Seed depth1 - 2 cm
Germination temp10 - 20 °C
Germination time5 - 10 days
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorYes
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo

Planting & site

May turnip: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

May turnips are direct-sown and not transplanted.

Plant spacing8 - 15 cm
Row spacing20 - 30 cm
Plants per m²20 - 40 per m²

Temperature & frost

May turnip: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 5 °C
Optimal temperature12 - 18 °C
Max. heatup to 25 °C
Soil temperature5 - 10 °C
Frost sensitiveYes
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancelow
Cold tolerancemedium

Water & nutrients

May turnip: Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesDuring germination, During root development
Watering methodDrip irrigation
Droughthigh
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needmedium feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitymedium

Container & growth

May turnip: Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 5 l; Recommended: from 10 l; Diameter: from 20 cm; Depth: from 20 cm
SupportNo
Height20 - 30 cm
Width15 - 25 cm
Root depth15 - 25 cm
Yield50 - 200 g

Year plan

May turnip Calendar

Plants

As early as May, the first crisp May turnips can be harvested, making them one of the earliest outdoor harvests of the year.

Year overview
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Direct sowing outdoors
Harvest
Cultivation timeline for May turnip (Brassica rapa var. majalis) with sowing, planting, care, and harvest months
May turnip: cultivation timeline. calendar: March - October.

Recurring tasks

ThinningApril - August
Pflanzen haben 2-3 echte Blätter: Thin to the recommended spacing to promote turnip development.
WateringApril - August
Bei Trockenheit: Consistent moisture is crucial for tender turnips.
Pest controlApril - August
Bei Befall: Watch for flea beetles; protect with insect netting if necessary.
HarvestMay - September
Rüben sind walnuss- bis faustgroß: Young turnips are the most tender. Do not let them grow too large, as they can become...
Direct sowingMay - July
Für Folgesaaten: Regular succession sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Relevant now

June

  • No additional single task

Next up

July

  • No additional single task

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

Direct sowingHarvestGrowing

January

Quiet month

February

Quiet month

March

Direct sowingPrepare bed

Direct sowing

  • Direct sowingBodentemperatur über 5°C: Sow under fleece or foil for early harvests.

Growing

  • Prepare bedVor der Aussaat: Loosen soil and enrich with compost.

April

Direct sowing

Direct sowing

  • Direct sowingBodentemperatur über 5°C: Regular succession sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

May

Quiet month

June

Quiet month

July

Quiet month

August

Direct sowing

Direct sowing

  • Direct sowingLetzte Aussaat für Herbsternte: Last sowing for an autumn harvest.

September

Quiet month

October

Harvest

Harvest

  • HarvestRüben sind walnuss- bis faustgroß: Last harvest of late sowings before the first hard frost.

November

Quiet month

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

May turnip Flowering & pollination

Flowering period

In the second year, usually early summer

Flower color

Yellow

Self-fertility

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

yes

Overview

May turnips are insect-pollinated. They are self-fertile, but seed production benefits from insect pollination.

Notes

May turnips are usually harvested before they flower. If left for seed production, they flower in their second year and are insect-pollinated.

Companion guide

May turnip Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

LettuceSpinachPeasBeansDillMintRosemaryThymeOnionsGarlicChamomile

Avoid

Other brassicas (cabbage, radishes, daikon)StrawberriesTomatoes

Use & storage

May turnip Use & storage

Harvest

Harvest occurs approximately 6-8 weeks after sowing, when the turnips are walnut to fist-sized.

Storage

General storage category: Cool and moist, Storage life: Fresh: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator; Longer: Stored in moist sand/soil for up to 2 months, Processing options: Pickling, Freezing (cooked or blanched), Cooking, Drying (leaves)

Flavor

Mild, slightly sweet, slightly pungent (especially in older turnips)

Harvest

Harvest occurs approximately 6-8 weeks after sowing, when the turnips are walnut to fist-sized.

Culinary uses

After harvest

Gently pull or dig turnips from the soil. Leaves can be trimmed just above the root or used for consumption. Wash and dry.

Notes

May turnips are an early and refreshing vegetable option. Their mild flavor pairs well with many dishes.

Edibility & safety

May turnip Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Root (turnip), Leaves (young)
Caution parts:Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)
Raw consumption:Yes, both young turnips and tender leaves can be eaten raw.

Safety notes

May turnips are non-toxic. However, older or bolted turnips can become woody and bitter, making them less palatable.

Animal safety

For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog icon for animal safety ratingDog

Root (turnip), Leaves (young)

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Ingestion of older or woody parts

Symptoms

Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset

contact a vet if symptoms appear

May turnips are considered non-toxic to dogs. However, consumption of large quantities or older, woody turnips and bolted flower stalks may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Offer only young, fresh turnips and leaves as an occasional treat.

Open animal page
Cat icon for animal safety ratingCat

Root (turnip), Leaves (young)

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Overconsumption

Symptoms

Mild gastrointestinal upset (if overconsumed)

usually no action needed

May turnips are considered non-toxic to cats. As with any plant material, overconsumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. Older or woody parts are less palatable.

Open animal page
Rabbit icon for animal safety ratingRabbit

Young turnips (root), Young leaves

Older, woody turnips, Bolted flower stalks

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Feeding older or woody plant parts, Sudden introduction to diet

Symptoms

Mild digestive upset, Gas, Diarrhea (if overconsumed)

observe

May turnips can be offered to rabbits in moderation as part of a varied diet. Young turnips and leaves are particularly suitable. Overconsumption, especially of older or woody parts, can lead to digestive upset.

Open animal page
Guinea pig icon for animal safety ratingGuinea pig

Root (turnip), Leaves (young)

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption, Consumption of old or bolted plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption or unsuitable parts)

observe

May turnips (root and young leaves) can be offered in moderation as a supplemental feed for guinea pigs. Older or bolted plant parts are woody and bitter and should be avoided.

Open animal page
Hamster icon for animal safety ratingHamster

Young turnips (root), Young leaves

Older, woody turnips, Bolted flower stalks

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Feeding older or woody plant parts, Sudden introduction to diet

Symptoms

Mild digestive upset, Gas, Diarrhea (if overconsumed)

observe

No direct species-specific source was found for hamsters. This is a cautious inference from the rabbits profile and the known plant-part risks.

Open animal page
Budgie icon for animal safety ratingBudgie

Young leaves, Young turnip root (in small amounts)

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Consumption of older, woody plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption), Diarrhea (with overconsumption)

usually no action needed

May turnips are generally classified as non-toxic for birds. Young leaves and small amounts of the young root can be offered as an occasional treat. However, overconsumption may lead to digestive upset. Older or bolted plant parts are woody and bitter and should not be fed.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse icon for animal safety ratingHorse

Root (turnip), Leaves (young)

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Overconsumption may lead to digestive upset., Older or bolted plants can be woody and bitter and may not be eaten.

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)

usually no action needed

May turnips are considered non-toxic for horses. Young roots and leaves can be offered in moderation as a supplement or treat. Older or bolted plants may become woody and bitter, but are not toxic and are generally avoided.

Open animal page
Chicken icon for animal safety ratingChicken

Root (turnip), Young leaves

Older or bolted leaves and stalks

Risk factors

Overconsumption, especially of older or bolted plant material

Symptoms

Digestive upset, reduced feed intake, thyroid issues (with extremely high amounts over extended periods)

observe

May turnips are suitable for chickens in moderation as a supplemental feed or treat. Young roots and leaves are preferred. Excessive consumption, especially of older or bolted leaves and stalks, could potentially cause issues due to glucosinolates or digestive upset.

Open animal page
Duck icon for animal safety ratingDuck

Root (turnip), Leaves (young)

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Consumption of older, woody, or bolted plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (if overconsumed)

usually no action needed

May turnips are generally considered non-toxic. Young turnips and leaves can be offered in moderation as a treat. Older or bolted plant parts can become woody and bitter, making them less palatable or harder to digest, which may lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Goose icon for animal safety ratingGoose

Root (turnip), Young leaves

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Consumption of older, woody, or bolted plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption or unsuitable parts)

usually no action needed

May turnips are generally considered non-toxic and can be offered to geese in moderation as a supplemental feed. Especially young turnips and leaves are well-tolerated. Older or bolted plant parts are not toxic but can become woody and bitter, making them less palatable or harder to digest, which might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. A balanced diet is important to avoid potential, albeit low, risks associated…

Open animal page
Sheep icon for animal safety ratingSheep

Root (turnip), Leaves (young)

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Older or bolted plants can become woody and bitter and are then less readily eaten., Excessive consumption without other feed sources can lead to digestive upset.

Symptoms

Digestive upset (with overconsumption), Thyroid issues (with extremely high amounts over extended periods)

usually no action needed

May turnips are non-toxic for sheep and can serve as a forage crop. Young turnips and leaves are digestible and palatable. Older or bolted plants can become woody and bitter, reducing palatability but not posing a toxicity risk. As with all Brassica species, excessive feeding should be avoided to prevent digestive issues.

Open animal page
Goat icon for animal safety ratingGoat

Root (turnip), Leaves

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Excessive consumption of Brassica species can lead to digestive upset or goiter in ruminants, but is unlikely with May turnips in a balanced diet.

Symptoms

Digestive upset (with overconsumption), Goiter (with excessive consumption of Brassica species)

usually no action needed

May turnips are generally safe for goats and can be offered as feed or forage. Older or bolted plants may become woody and bitter but are not toxic. As with all Brassica species, excessive feeding should be avoided to prevent digestive issues.

Open animal page
Cattle icon for animal safety ratingCattle

Root (turnip), Young leaves

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Overconsumption, Rapid introduction to diet

Symptoms

Digestive upset (with overconsumption), Goiter (with excessive consumption of Brassica species)

usually no action needed

May turnips are a common forage crop for cattle and are considered non-toxic. The roots and young leaves are palatable and digestible. Older or bolted plant parts can become woody and bitter, reducing palatability and digestibility, but are not toxic. As with any dietary change, slow introduction is recommended to prevent digestive upset. Excessive consumption of Brassica plants can theoretically lead to issues…

Open animal page
Pig icon for animal safety ratingPig

Root (turnip), Leaves (young)

Older, woody turnips, Flower stalks (after bolting)

Risk factors

Older or woody plant parts may be less palatable and can cause digestive upset.

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)

usually no action needed

May turnips are generally considered non-toxic and can be fed to pigs in moderation, especially the young roots and leaves. Older or woody plant parts are less palatable and may cause digestive upset, but are not toxic.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

moderation only

Urgency

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Saving seed

May turnip Saving seed

Seed saving

yes

Seed viability

4 - 5 years

Notes

May turnips are brassicas and readily cross-pollinate with other Brassica rapa varieties (e.g., Chinese cabbage, pak choi, other turnips). Sufficient isolation distance or hand-pollination is required for pure seeds. Plants must overwinter to produce seeds.

Practical tips

May turnip Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Success pattern

High-impact tips

Grower observations

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

May turnip (Brassica rapa var. majalis): whole plant for plant portrait - Root vegetables, Mustard family, Harvest May
May turnip: plant portrait. harvest: May - October.

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Flea beetles

Small, round holes in leaves, especially on young plants. Severe infestation can lead to plant death.

Cabbage root fly

Wilting plants, stunted growth, discolored leaves. Larvae tunnel into the roots.

Cabbage white butterfly (caterpillars)

Large feeding holes on leaves, visible green caterpillars on the leaves.

Slugs

Feeding damage on leaves and turnips, slime trails on plants and soil.

Aphids

Small insect colonies on shoot tips and undersides of leaves, curled leaves, honeydew.

Diseases

Clubroot

Wilting leaves during the day, swollen, distorted roots, stunted growth.

Downy mildew

Yellowish spots on the upper leaf surface, gray fungal growth on the underside of leaves.

White blister

White, pustule-like growths on leaves and stems.

Deficiencies

Boron deficiency

Hollow, brown spots inside the turnip, stunted growth, cracked turnip surface.

Nitrogen deficiency

Yellowish leaves, especially older ones, slowed growth.

Plant health

Diagnosis help

May turnip Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Disease groups

Fungal diseases (clubroot, downy mildew, white blister)

Prevention

Diagnosis

Look for early signs of pests or diseases, such as feeding damage, discoloration, or wilting. Prompt action is often crucial to prevent greater damage.

Cultural prevention

Monitoring

First response

Diagnostic rules

Small, round holes in young leaves

Possible causes: Flea beetles

  • Check plants for small, jumping beetles
  • Check insect netting

Plants wilting, roots thickened/distorted

Possible causes: Clubroot, Cabbage Root Fly

  • Carefully check roots
  • Test soil pH

Yellowish spots on upper leaf surface, gray fungal growth on underside of leaves

Possible causes: Downy mildew

  • Check humidity and ventilation

Plant forms flower stalk, turnip becomes woody

Possible causes: Bolting

  • Check temperatures (too hot?)
  • Check water supply (too dry?)

FAQ

When is the best time to sow May turnips?

May turnips can be direct-sown outdoors from March to August. For an early harvest in May, sowing from March under fleece or foil is ideal. Regular succession sowings every 2-3 weeks ensure a continuous harvest.

Why are my May turnips woody or bitter?

Woody or bitter turnips are often the result of insufficient water, heat stress, or late harvesting. Ensure consistent watering and harvest the turnips when they are still young and tender (walnut to fist-sized).

Can May turnips be grown in pots?

Yes, May turnips are well-suited for growing in pots or balcony boxes. Choose pots with at least 20 cm depth and diameter and ensure good drainage. Smaller varieties are particularly suitable for this.

What pests most commonly affect May turnips?

Common pests include flea beetles, cabbage root flies, and cabbage white butterfly caterpillars. Insect netting is an effective method to keep many of these pests away, especially from young plants.

Is May turnip safe for Dog?

May turnip is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. May turnips are considered non-toxic to dogs. However, consumption of large quantities or older, woody turnips and bolted flower stalks may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Offer only young, fresh turnips and leaves as an occasional treat.

Is May turnip safe for Cat?

May turnip is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. May turnips are considered non-toxic to cats. As with any plant material, overconsumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. Older or woody parts are less palatable.

Is May turnip safe for Rabbit?

May turnip is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. May turnips can be offered to rabbits in moderation as part of a varied diet. Young turnips and leaves are particularly suitable. Overconsumption, especially of older or woody parts, can lead to digestive upset.

Is May turnip safe for Guinea pig?

May turnip is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. May turnips (root and young leaves) can be offered in moderation as a supplemental feed for guinea pigs. Older or bolted plant parts are woody and bitter and should be avoided.

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-14

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-14

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Mairübe

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-14

Wild-Wuchs

Search