The Laurentian Turnip

SWEDE TURNIP (Rutabaga) - for fresh market or storage

GROWER: All our seed is sized for precision seeding.

EARLY CROP: Sow seed as soon as the soil temp. has reached 60-65°F/16-18°C at 0.25 in/6 mm deep. If not precision seeded overseed at up to 3 seeds per in/25 mm in rows 24-36 in/61-91 cm apart. Thin plants to 6 in/l5 cm apart when seedlings are 1.5-3 in/4-8 cm high. MAIN CROP: Sow seed during the last two weeks of June at 0.25-0.5 in/6-13 mm deep, depending on soil type. Space seeds as above.

DISEASE CONTROL: Turnips are susceptible to black rot and blackleg. Do not plant turnips, kale, cabbage, rape or cauliflower more than once every 4 to 5 years on the same land. Rogue fields of wild turnip and perennial rooted weeds that may cause disease. Do not cultivate when wet. Remove all turnips from the field in the fall and cut up roots before dumping.

INSECT CONTROL: Control root maggots before June 20th and after Aug. 20th. Control aphids and flea beetles during the growing season.

WASHING & HARVESTING: Harvest roots in the fall, wash them before waxing in water that is kept as clean as possible (changed frequently). Dry roots, trim tops off after washing then wax before storing.

STORAGE: Clean storage thoroughly in the spring, burn all refuse. Never put diseased or bruised turnips in storage. Keep well ventilated. Store at 32°F/0°C and 90-95% relative humidity for 4 to 6 months.