21 Delicious Turnip Varieties for the Fall Garden EpicGardening Guide

When I first told my husband I was writing about turnips, he immediately exclaimed, “Oh, like Dwight Shrute, from The Office.”

“No, that’s beets.”

“Ok, you mean like those pickled Daikon things.”

“No, that’s a radish.”

Now, this might be indicative of how varied our veggie diet is.

Or it might be a sign that the humble turnip doesn’t get nearly enough credit.

Cold-hardy, low maintenance, and tolerant of both sun and shade, turnips are easy enough to fit into just about any garden. Despite being overshadowed by their more popular root vegetable cousins, turnips offer a surprising diversity that can elevate any garden or culinary experience.

From the vibrant hues of ‘Red Round’ to the moody vibes of ‘Noir Long Black,’ each variety brings its own unique flavor, texture, and cultivation requirements. Now, let’s dig down deep and uproot 21 distinct turnip varieties.

White Lady

Turnip ‘White Lady’ Seeds

Purple Top Turnip

Purple Top Globe Turnip Seeds

‘Amber Globe’

‘Amber Globe’ has pale yellow, round bulbs that are smooth in texture. This fine-grained turnip has a mild, ever-so-slightly sweet flavor. For peak flavor, harvest roots when they’re 3-4 inches in diameter, although this variety can easily grow to 6 inches around.

Turnips can typically be planted in either spring or fall, but ‘Amber Globe’ performs best when planted in the fall. ‘Amber Globe’ grows at a moderate rate and is ready to harvest in 55-65 days. This variety is a “good keeper,” meaning it can be stored successfully for a long period of time under the right conditions. 

‘Des Vertus Marteau’

The oblong, cylindrical shape of this turnip definitely sets it apart from other varieties. ‘Des Vertus Marteau’ is a French heirloom turnip that has some variation in root color; most are solid creamy white. However, some have slightly purple shoulders. Roots are fleshy yet firm, with a mild flavor that lends itself well to being roasted or mashed.

‘Des Vertus Marteau’ is a quick-growing variety that matures in just about 35 days. Harvest roots when they’re about 4-6 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. This turnip’s elongated shape makes for easy slicing in the kitchen!

‘Fuku Komachi’

As a type of Japanese turnip, ‘Foku Komachi’ roots are ideal for eating fresh in either salads or as a snack. Globe-shaped roots are pure white with thin, smooth skins. Leafy tops are a bright green.

Harvest roots when they are approximately 2 inches in diameter. This variety grows quickly, even in cooler temperatures, making the perfect fall season crop. ‘Fuku Komachi’ is also slow to bolt, meaning it retains its sweet flavor and tender texture for longer.

‘Gold Ball’

Also called ‘Orange Jelly,’ ‘Gold Ball’ is an heirloom variety that was first introduced to North America in the 1850’s. This variety has smooth skin and beautiful golden flesh. It keeps well and will hold for several months when stored properly.

‘Gold Ball’ has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Roots can grow to be 4-5 inches in diameter, although peak flavor occurs when harvested around 3 inches in diameter. This is a popular variety, even among folks who don’t normally care for turnips! 

‘Hakurei’

Unlike storage turnip varieties, ‘Hakurei’ does not need to be cooked to be consumed. ‘Hakurei,’ a Japanese turnip, has a delicate, slightly fruity flavor with a crisp texture. Both the roots and the leafy green tops can be eaten, either raw or slightly cooked.

This variety has smooth, clear white skin. ‘Hakurei’ grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as 35 days. Harvest roots when they’re about 2 inches in diameter.

‘Hirosaki Red’

Another Japanese turnip, ‘Hirosaki Red’ is semi-globed with deep ruby red skin and white inner flesh. Brilliant red roots are topped with corresponding green and red stems and leaves. This turnip has a slightly spicy flavor and can be eaten either fresh or lightly cooked.

‘Hirosaki Red’ matures relatively fast, typically within 45 days. For the best, crispiest texture, harvest roots when they are approximately 2 inches in diameter.

‘Just Right’

While most turnip varieties decline in quality as they grow larger, ‘Just Right’ retains its tender texture and mild flavor even as roots approach 6 inches wide. Roots are pure white with a blocky, slightly flattened shape. Large green leaves grow as tall as 24 inches and can also be harvested, cooked, and consumed.

‘Just Right’ is a very cold-tolerant turnip and tends to bolt in warmer temperatures. This feature, plus its ability to store well, make this variety a perfect fall crop. ‘Just Right’ is a longer growing crop, and reaches maturity in 60-70 days.

‘Market Express’

The fast-growing ‘Market Express’ variety features smooth white turnips with a mild, radish-like taste. The leafy green tops are edible and have a delightful, slightly spicy flavor. Both the leaves and roots can be enjoyed fresh or cooked.

‘Market Express’ is frost-tolerant and can easily handle temperatures down to 28°F (-2°C). Sow seeds in late summer or early fall. Harvest 2-inch wide “baby turnips” after just 30 days or wait for full-size 4-5-inch roots after just 40 days.

‘Noir Long Black’

Don’t be fooled by this sinister-looking black root! ‘Noir Long Black’ is distinguished by its elongated, black-skinned roots and tender, white flesh. It is renowned for its sweet, creamy flavor, making it a favorite for raw consumption in salads or slaws.

‘Noir Long Black,’ also known as Noir Long de Caluire, is a rare heirloom variety originating from southwestern France. This turnip’s unique flavor is thought to be due to the region’s combination of climate and soil. 

Harvest ‘Noir Long Black’ turnips 50-55 days after sowing, ideally before the ground freezes. Cool fall temperatures help emphasize this turnip’s sweet flavor. This variety is beloved not just for its flavor but also for its resilience and storage capabilities—this is a superb fall keeper crop.

‘Oasis’

‘Oasis’ is a popular Japanese hybrid turnip that resembles ‘Hakurei ‘. Slightly oblong roots are bright white in color with a delicate texture. Despite its tender appearance, this is a hardy turnip that tolerates downy mildew well.

‘Oasis’ has a sweet, almost melon-like flavor. It can be harvested at any size and still retain its juicy sweetness. The tender texture of ‘Oasis’ makes it well-suited for fresh eating in salads.

‘Purple Top Milan’

Also called ‘Milan Purple Top’, this Italian heirloom turnip variety is eye-catching and easy to grow. Blocky, flattened roots sport deep purple shoulders with white undersides. Long stems can reach 22 inches in height and may be green or slightly faded purple in color.

‘Purple Top Milan’ is a fantastic fall crop, as it is a very cold-tolerant variety. It grows quickly and is ready for harvest in just about 45 days. Harvest roots when they’re just about 2-3 inches in diameter for the best flavor and texture.

‘Purple Top White Globe’

‘Purple Top White Globe’ looks just as its name implies; round white roots are blushed with bright purple shoulders above the soil line. This variety originates from the late 1800’s and is still just as popular today. Despite its pretty appearance, this is a hardy, frost-tolerant turnip and an excellent crop for the fall garden.

Harvest roots when they are 3-4 inches in diameter, although they can easily grow to be 5-6 inches wide. ‘Purple Top White Globe’ has fine-grained flesh and a mild, ever-so-slightly-sweet flavor. The large, deeply lobed leaves are attractive and can also be cooked and consumed.

‘Red Round’

‘Red Round’ is a striking Japanese variety known for its vibrant red skin and semi-globed shape. The inner flesh is primarily white, tinged with a hint of magenta. Leafy tops are green, with contrasting red stems and veins. 

This turnip is about the size of a tennis ball and matures quickly, typically within 50-55 days. The fast-growing nature, attractive red skin, and mild flavor make ‘Red Round’ turnips a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.

‘Royal Crown’

‘Royal Crown’ is a hybrid variety celebrated for its delicious roots and nutritious greens. This turnip features uniformly shaped, slightly flattened roots with purple-blotched shoulders. These turnips are known for their sweet, mild flavor, which is retained even at larger sizes; they can easily be harvested when 4 inches wide. Tops are shorter compared to some varieties but are more densely sprouted, with more leaves per plant.

‘Royal Crown’ matures at a moderate rate, typically within 50 days, and is well-suited for both spring and fall plantings. This variety’s quick growth and resistance to bolting make it a favorite among gardeners looking for a reliable and productive crop.

‘Scarlet Ohno Revival’

This vibrant and colorful turnip will look good in your garden and on your plate! The roots of ‘Scarlet Ohno Revival’ have brilliant magenta skin, very similar to ‘Red Round’ described above. Streaked pink and white interior flesh is crisp and crunchy. Leafy green tops have pink ribs and stems.

This variety matures in approximately 55 days. For the best flavor, harvest ‘Scarlet Ohno Revival’ when they are 2 inches in diameter. This turnip has a mild, tasty flavor and is exceptionally delicious when pickled. 

‘Seven Top’

‘Seven Top’ proves that turnips are more than just their roots! This variety is mostly grown for its leafy green tops, which can be eaten fresh or cooked. These “turnip greens” are a staple of traditional Southern cooking and, in addition to their lovely flavor, are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. While the elongated, white roots can be consumed when they’re immature, they are rather tough and woody compared to other varieties.

Plant ‘Seven Top’ in the fall for an early winter harvest of leafy greens. This variety matures in just about 45 days. ‘Seven Top’ can be harvested even earlier (7-10 days!) if you’d prefer to enjoy the leaves as microgreens.

‘Shogoin’

A classic Japanese turnip, ‘Shogoin’ is grown for both its mild greens and flavorful roots. This is an outstanding turnip for southern gardeners, as it tolerates drought and warm temperatures much better than most other varieties. Plant ‘Shogoin’ in full sun.

‘Shogoin’ features white, globular roots that are sweet and slightly earthy in flavor. They mature in 40-70 days. Tasty, tender greens, which grow to nearly 2 feet tall, can be harvested in as little as 30 days. 

‘Tokyo Silky Sweet’

If you’re a “I like to eat it right out of the garden” type of person, ‘Tokyo Silky Sweet’ is the turnip for you! This Japanese hybrid has smooth, satiny white roots that boast the sweetest, juiciest flavor. Ideal for eating fresh or tossing in salads. Harvest when they’re approximately 3 inches in diameter.

Fantastic flavor aside, ‘Tokyo Silky Sweet’ grows quickly and is relatively resistant to white rust. This variety handles warm temperatures easily, making it a great fall crop for gardeners in southern climates.

‘Topper’

Like the aforementioned ‘Seven Top’, ‘Topper’ is grown primarily for its leafy foliage. Upright dark green leaves are tender and flavorful, especially when harvested early. The greens can be harvested as early as 35 days after planting. As long as the crown is not damaged, you can enjoy up to four harvests from a single planting.

‘Topper’ is known for its vigorous growth (leaves can reach 28 inches tall) and high resistance to bolting. This variety thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. ‘Topper’ is also relatively resistant to aphids and mildew.

‘White Egg’

Why yes, ‘White Egg’ is both egg-shaped and snowy white in color. The fast-growing turnips grow partially above ground and are slightly green at the top. They have a very delicate, mild flavor that intensifies while the root is stored.

Harvest ‘White Egg’ when they are 2-3 inches in diameter. Market gardeners will find the small size and unique shape of these turnips to be perfect for bunching. This variety grows quickly and is ready for harvest in just about 45 days. 

‘White Lady’

‘White Lady’ is a salad or Japanese hybrid turnip with attractive, uniformly round, white roots. The crisp, crunchy turnips have a mild, slightly radish-like taste and are delicious when eaten fresh. Harvest when they’re 2 inches in diameter, although this variety is better than others at retaining its tender texture as it matures.

‘White Lady’ is a vigorous turnip that can be harvested in as little as a month. Bright green, relatively smooth leaves are excellent for eating as well. Provided the plant’s crown isn’t damaged during harvest, the greens can be harvested several times while the bottoms grow.