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Annual Biennial

Brassica rapa

turnip

This is the mustard plant from which many types of vegetable have been bred - from turnips to 'oriental leaves' of heading, bunching and flowering varieties, but importantly, the oilseed plants normally seen in fields. It looks very similar to other wild brassicas, with evergreen leaves and yellow flowers. It is extremely variable but the lower leaves are larger, on stalks, often with several leaflets and a wavy or toothed edge, whilst the upper leaves are small, stalkless and narrow. The flowers become long green pods with a long pointed tip, containing dark brown/black seeds. All parts are edible when young

Other common names
field mustard
fodder turnip
see moreknolle
komatsuna
sarson
meipen
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus

Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in fertile but firm, soil that isn't too acidic. This is the wild type of many of our vegetables. It is attractive to butterflies and pollen beetles, but take care as it can harbour pests and diseases which on your food crops will be unwelcome.

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to flea beetle which can prevent seedlings from thriving and attacked by caterpillars when eggs laid by butterflies, hatch and feed. It is very popular food for pigeons which only netting can prevent. It is also eaten by snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. The cabbage root fly can cause failure to thrive and a heavy infestation of mealy cabbage aphid can spoil the harvest

Diseases

May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil

Get involved

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