May turnipBrassica rapa var. majalis

May turnip

May turnips

1. Brassica rapa subsp. rapa var. majalis

1. Brassica rapa subsp. rapa var. majalis
2. Mairübchen
3. Navette

1. Mairübchen
2. Navette

1. May turnip
2. Brassica rapa var. majalis
3. turnip
4. spring turnip
5. root vegetable

Mustard family

1. root
2. leaves

The May turnip, also known as Navette, is a fast-growing root vegetable particularly valued for early spring cultivation. Its tender, slightly sweet roots are a welcome addition to the vegetable garden and kitchen. It belongs to the brassica family and is closely related to Teltow turnips and autumn turnips, but stands out due to its early maturity.

May turnips are easy to grow and excellent for beginners. They prefer a sunny to partially shaded location and humus-rich, loose soil. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent woody roots and premature bolting. Succession sowing can extend the harvest season from May into autumn.

Harvest occurs just 6-8 weeks after sowing, when the turnips are walnut to fist-sized. Young May turnips are most tender and can be enjoyed raw in salads or steamed as a side dish. The young leaves are also edible and can be prepared like spinach. A versatile and healthy addition to any kitchen.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionBodentemperatur über 5°C

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Sow under fleece or foil for early harvests.

2. Taskprepare_bed

   Label

   Prepare bed

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionVor der Aussaat

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Loosen soil and enrich with compost.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionBodentemperatur über 5°C

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Regular succession sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

2. Taskthinning

   Label

   Thinning

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionPflanzen haben 2-3 echte Blätter

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Thin to the recommended spacing to promote turnip development.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Watering

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionBei Trockenheit

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender turnips.

4. Taskpest_control

   Label

   Pest control

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionBei Befall

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watch for flea beetles; protect with insect netting if necessary.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionRüben sind walnuss- bis faustgroß

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Young turnips are the most tender. Do not let them grow too large, as they can become woody.

2. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionFür Folgesaaten

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Regular succession sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

3. Taskthinning

   Label

   Thinning

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionPflanzen haben 2-3 echte Blätter

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Thin to the recommended spacing to promote turnip development.

4. Taskwater

   Label

   Watering

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionBei Trockenheit

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender turnips.

5. Taskpest_control

   Label

   Pest control

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionBei Befall

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watch for flea beetles; protect with insect netting if necessary.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionRüben sind walnuss- bis faustgroß

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Young turnips are the most tender. Do not let them grow too large, as they can become woody.

2. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionFür Folgesaaten

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Regular succession sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

3. Taskthinning

   Label

   Thinning

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionPflanzen haben 2-3 echte Blätter

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Thin to the recommended spacing to promote turnip development.

4. Taskwater

   Label

   Watering

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionBei Trockenheit

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender turnips.

5. Taskpest_control

   Label

   Pest control

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionBei Befall

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watch for flea beetles; protect with insect netting if necessary.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionRüben sind walnuss- bis faustgroß

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Young turnips are the most tender. Do not let them grow too large, as they can become woody.

2. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionFür Folgesaaten

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Regular succession sowings every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

3. Taskthinning

   Label

   Thinning

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionPflanzen haben 2-3 echte Blätter

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Thin to the recommended spacing to promote turnip development.

4. Taskwater

   Label

   Watering

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionBei Trockenheit

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender turnips.

5. Taskpest_control

   Label

   Pest control

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionBei Befall

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watch for flea beetles; protect with insect netting if necessary.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionRüben sind walnuss- bis faustgroß

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Young turnips are the most tender. Do not let them grow too large, as they can become woody.

2. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Outdoor sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionLetzte Aussaat für Herbsternte

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Last sowing for an autumn harvest.

3. Taskthinning

   Label

   Thinning

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionPflanzen haben 2-3 echte Blätter

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Thin to the recommended spacing to promote turnip development.

4. Taskwater

   Label

   Watering

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionBei Trockenheit

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender turnips.

5. Taskpest_control

   Label

   Pest control

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionBei Befall

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watch for flea beetles; protect with insect netting if necessary.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionRüben sind walnuss- bis faustgroß

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Young turnips are the most tender. Do not let them grow too large, as they can become woody.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionRüben sind walnuss- bis faustgroß

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Last harvest of late sowings before the first hard frost.

Full sun to partial shade

Sheltered

Avoid locations where other brassicas have been grown in the last 3-4 years to prevent diseases.

Humus-rich, loose sandy or loamy soil

Deep, loose, well-drained

High

May turnips prefer nutrient-rich but not freshly manured soil. A good application of compost in autumn or early spring is ideal.

Regularly, especially during dry periods

Moderate but consistent

Consistent moisture is crucial to ensure rapid growth and tender turnips. Lack of water leads to woody and pungent turnips.

Moderate

Compost, organic all-purpose fertilizer

May turnips are medium feeders. A basic fertilization with compost is usually sufficient. If needed, an organic liquid fertilizer can be applied during growth.

Observe crop rotation and do not plant May turnips after other brassicas. A cultivation break of 3-4 years is recommended.

May turnips belong to the brassica family and should not be grown after other brassicas to prevent the spread of diseases like clubroot. A cultivation break of at least 3 years is recommended.

1. Insects (flea beetles, cabbage root fly, cabbage white butterfly)
2. Slugs

1. Fungal diseases (clubroot, downy mildew, white blister)

1. Observe crop rotation (at least 3-4 years break for brassicas).
2. Site selection (sunny, airy, sheltered).
3. Soil improvement with compost and adjusted pH.
4. Ensure consistent watering.
5. Use insect netting, especially for young plants.
6. Practice companion planting to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
7. Regular weed control.

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

1. Slugflea_beetle

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Dry, warm weather
   2. Young plants

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Use insect netting
   2. Keep soil moist
   3. Regular hoeing

   Organic control

   1. Neem oil
   2. Plant fortifiers
   3. Yellow sticky traps
2. Slugcabbage_root_fly

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Moist soil
   2. Spring to autumn

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. Stem base

   Prevention

   1. Use insect netting
   2. Apply cabbage collars
   3. Observe crop rotation

   Organic control

   1. Nematodes (against larvae)
   2. Regular hoeing
3. Slugcabbage_white_butterfly

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Summer
   2. Warm periods

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Use insect netting
   2. Encourage beneficial insects

   Organic control

   1. Hand-picking caterpillars
   2. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)
4. Slugslugs

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Damp weather
   2. Mulch layers

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Turnips

   Prevention

   1. Keep beds clean
   2. Water in the morning
   3. Slug barriers

   Organic control

   1. Hand-picking
   2. Slug pellets (iron phosphate)
   3. Beer traps
5. Slugaphids

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Dry, warm weather
   2. Weak plants

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Shoot tips

   Prevention

   1. Companion planting
   2. Encourage beneficial insects
   3. Plant strengthening

   Organic control

   1. Rinsing with water
   2. Neem oil
   3. Soapy water
6. Slugclubroot

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Acidic soil (pH < 7)
   2. Moist soil
   3. Continuous cultivation of brassicas

   Affected parts

   1. Roots

   Prevention

   1. Long crop rotation (4-6 years)
   2. Liming the soil
   3. Choose resistant varieties

   Organic control

   1. Remove and destroy infected plants
   2. Soil improvement with compost
7. Slugdowny_mildew

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Damp, cool weather
   2. Dense stands

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Choose an airy location
   2. Avoid overhead watering
   3. Maintain proper plant spacing

   Organic control

   1. Remove infected leaves
   2. Plant fortifiers (e.g., horsetail tea)
8. Slugwhite_blister

   Severitylow

   Conditions

   1. Damp weather

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Weed control
   3. Remove infected plants

   Organic control

   1. Remove infected plant parts
9. Slugboron_deficiency

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Alkaline soils
   2. Drought
   3. High pH

   Affected parts

   1. Turnips
   2. Growing points

   Prevention

   1. Perform soil analysis
   2. Consistent watering
   3. Adjusted fertilization

   Organic control

   1. Foliar feeding with boron
   2. Incorporation of compost
10. Slugnitrogen_deficiency

    Severitylow

    Conditions

    1. Nutrient-poor soils
    2. Heavy leaching

    Affected parts

    1. Leaves (older)

    Prevention

    1. Enrich soil with compost
    2. Balanced fertilization

    Organic control

    1. Apply organic nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., horn meal, nettle liquid manure)
11. Slugbolting

    Severityhigh

    Conditions

    1. Heat stress
    2. Water shortage
    3. Strong temperature fluctuations
    4. Too early sowing in cold conditions

    Affected parts

    1. Entire plant
    2. Turnip

    Prevention

    1. Consistent watering
    2. Sowing at the optimal time
    3. Mulching for soil cooling

    Organic control

    1. Not applicable (once bolted, the turnip becomes woody and inedible)
12. Slugwoody_bitter_roots

    Severityhigh

    Conditions

    1. Water shortage
    2. Heat stress
    3. Late harvest
    4. Nutrient imbalance

    Affected parts

    1. Turnip

    Prevention

    1. Consistent watering
    2. Timely harvest (do not let turnips grow too large)
    3. Mulching

    Organic control

    1. Not applicable (once woody/bitter, cannot be saved)
13. Slugcracked_roots

    Severitymedium

    Conditions

    1. Strong fluctuations in water supply (drought followed by heavy watering)

    Affected parts

    1. Turnip

    Prevention

    1. Ensure consistent water supply

    Organic control

    1. Not applicable

1. Symptom

   Small, round holes in young leaves

   Possible causes

   1. flea_beetle

   First checks

   1. Check plants for small, jumping beetles
   2. Check insect netting
2. Symptom

   Plants wilting, roots thickened/distorted

   Possible causes

   1. clubroot
   2. cabbage_root_fly

   First checks

   1. Carefully check roots
   2. Test soil pH
3. Symptom

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

   Possible causes

   1. downy_mildew

   First checks

   1. Check humidity and ventilation
4. Symptom

   Plant forms flower stalk, turnip becomes woody

   Possible causes

   1. bolting

   First checks

   1. Check temperatures (too hot?)
   2. Check water supply (too dry?)
5. Symptom

   Turnips are hard, fibrous, bitter

   Possible causes

   1. woody_bitter_roots
   2. bolting

   First checks

   1. Check harvest time
   2. Check water supply
6. Symptom

   Turnip surface cracked

   Possible causes

   1. cracked_roots

   First checks

   1. Check consistency of water supply
7. Symptom

   Hollow, brown spots inside turnip

   Possible causes

   1. boron_deficiency

   First checks

   1. Consider soil analysis
   2. Check pH level
8. Symptom

   Yellowish leaves, especially older ones, slowed growth

   Possible causes

   1. nitrogen_deficiency

   First checks

   1. Check fertilization history
   2. Enrich soil with compost

1. Germination
2. Leaf development
3. Root swelling
4. Bolting (if not harvested)
5. Flowering (in second year)
6. Seed maturation (in second year)

May turnips are fast-growing crops, ready for harvest within a few weeks. They are typically harvested before bolting.

In the second year, usually early summer

Yellow

Insect pollination

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

1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8
5. 9
6. 10

Harvest occurs approximately 6-8 weeks after sowing, when the turnips are walnut to fist-sized. Young turnips are the most tender and flavorful. Do not let them grow too large, as they can become woody.

Continuously, through succession sowings every 2-3 weeks

1. Turnips are walnut to fist-sized (approx. 5-8 cm diameter)
2. Leaves are young and tender

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

Cool and moist

Fresh: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator; Longer: Stored in moist sand/soil for up to 2 months

1. Pickling
2. Freezing (cooked or blanched)
3. Cooking
4. Drying (leaves)

Store fresh turnips in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer. For longer storage, keep in a box with moist sand or soil in a cool, dark place (e.g., cellar).

0-5°C

90-95%

Remove leaves before storage to reduce moisture loss. Damaged turnips should be consumed first.

1. Raw consumption
2. Boiling
3. Steaming
4. Roasting
5. Pickling

May turnips are versatile. Young leaves can be prepared like spinach.

1. Raw in salads (grated or thinly sliced)
2. As a side dish (steamed, roasted, or glazed)
3. In soups and stews
4. Mashed
5. In vegetable stir-fries
6. Young leaves as salad or cooked like spinach

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

Crisp and juicy (raw), tender (cooked)

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

1. Root (turnip)
2. Leaves (young)

1. Older, woody turnips
2. Flower stalks (after bolting)

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

Yes, both young turnips and tender leaves can be eaten raw.

Biennial (flowers and fruits in the second year)

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.

Spatial isolation (at least 800m from other Brassica rapa varieties) or temporal isolation (different flowering times).

1. Pods turn brown and dry
2. Seeds inside are hard and dark colored

Cut entire plants or seed stalks when most pods are dry. Allow to dry further on a tarp or in bags.

Break open pods and release seeds by rubbing or threshing. Remove chaff and debris by winnowing and screening.

Cool, dry, and dark in airtight containers. Optimal at 4-10°C and below 10% humidity.

4-5 years

For seed production, select several healthy plants that exhibit typical varietal characteristics. Overwintering outdoors is possible in mild climates, otherwise in a cold frame or cellar.

May turnips are annual, herbaceous plants and do not require specific training or pruning systems relevant to woody crops.

May turnips are typically harvested before flowering. If left for seed production, their yellow flowers provide a food source for bees and other insects, but do not significantly contribute to general biodiversity.