Do turnips need full sun?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Turnips require 6-8 hours of sunlight a day to thrive, although they will grow well with partial shade. In the heat of the day, providing some shade in the afternoon limits bolting (flowering) and minimizes the chances of roots growing bitter. Turnips will grow more elongated greens with shorter roots when they do not receive enough sunlight. Morning sun and filtered sunlight in the afternoon will promote good growth in warm locations.
Optimal Sunlight
- Full sun (6-8 hours) maximizes root development
- Morning sun reduces heat stress compared to harsh afternoon rays
- Use shade cloth in zones with temperatures above 85°F (29°C)
Shade Adaptation
- 4-5 hours of sun still yields edible roots but slower growth
- Prioritize leafy greens in shaded areas, roots stay smaller
- Rotate containers to ensure even light exposure
Combine sunlight with well-draining soil and good compost. Water 1 inch each week, depending on rainfall. Crowding will overwhelm lower leaves in shade, so thin seedlings to about 4-6 inches apart. In my garden, reflective mulch increased the light by 20% and improved root size without increasing heat stress!
Select 12-inch-deep pots for container gardening and be sure to rotate the pots once a day. Urban gardeners can utilize windowsills that face south as a suitable place to grow. Harvest the roots when they are 2 to 3 inches wide. Greens do well in the shade, but pick them when they are young because they can toughen up as they mature. Roots can be stored in a cool dark place to prevent sprouting.
Read the full article: How to Grow Turnips: A Step-by-Step Planting Guide
