White Egg Turnip Heirloom Seeds

White Egg Turnip is an open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom grown for smooth, creamy-white roots with a distinctive egg shape and tender green tops. Quick to mature and easy to harvest, it is a dependable cool-season crop for garden beds, raised beds, and containers.

History

White Egg Turnip has the practical charm of an old-fashioned kitchen garden variety, producing uniform roots that are easy to lift and pleasant to use at many sizes. Its clean white color, mild flavor, and quick growth have made this type a favorite for gardeners who want a versatile root crop without waiting all season.

Plant Profile

• Days to Maturity: About 45–55 days
• Root Size: Smooth, egg-shaped creamy-white roots, generally 2–3 inches long
• Plant Size: About 12–18 inches tall and wide
• Plant Type: Cool-season root vegetable and leafy brassica grown as an annual

Flavor Profile

White Egg Turnips are mild, crisp, and slightly sweet with a delicate peppery finish. Their fine texture is especially enjoyable when roots are harvested young, while the leafy tops bring a fresh, savory brassica flavor to cooked dishes.

When to Plant

Direct sow White Egg Turnip in early spring 2–4 weeks before your last spring frost, then sow again in late summer for a fall crop. Turnips size and taste best in cool weather, so plan for the roots to mature before the hottest part of summer. Sow when soil is around 50–70°F, and check your USDA Hardiness Zone to fine-tune planting dates.

Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart, with 12–18 inches between rows.
• Planting Depth: Cover seeds about 1/4 inch deep in loose, finely worked soil.
• Germination: Usually 5–10 days at 60–70°F.
• Sun: Full sun for the fastest root development, with light afternoon shade in warmer weather.
• Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil free of stones so the roots can form smoothly.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist while roots swell to maintain a crisp, tender texture.
• Succession sowing: Sow a short row every 2–3 weeks during cool weather for a steady harvest.
• Healthy plants: Water at soil level, rotate brassica crops, and thin promptly so each root has room to develop.

🌱 Gentle Cover Germination 🌱

Into the surface — thin cover only, no light needed.

1. Start with the right foundation. Use a fine seed-starting mix — not garden soil or coarse potting mix. Sift it if needed. Small seeds need a smooth, even surface to make good contact and germinate reliably.
2. Cover lightly — just barely. Press seeds onto the moist surface and cover with no more than 1/8 inch of finely sifted mix. These seeds don’t need light to germinate but they don’t want to be buried either.
3. Mist, don’t drench. Use a spray bottle to keep the surface evenly moist. Watering from above can wash small seeds away before they ever get started.
4. Warmth is your friend. These seeds germinate best at 65–70°F — basically normal room temperature. A heat mat can help if your space runs cool.
5. Trap the humidity. Cover your tray with a humidity dome or a loose piece of plastic wrap. This keeps moisture and warmth stable while you wait.
6. Give them time. Keep conditions consistent, resist the urge to overwater, and trust the process — they will sprout.
7. Thin with scissors, not fingers. Once seedlings appear, snip extras at the soil line rather than pulling. These roots are close together and pulling one can disturb its neighbors.

White Egg Turnip does not need cold stratification. For direct sowing, keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge.

Growth Type & Harvest Yields

White Egg Turnip forms a quick, compact root beneath a leafy crown. Each plant produces one smooth white turnip plus edible greens, and succession sowing can keep the harvest moving through spring and fall. Pull baby roots for extra tenderness or let them reach their characteristic egg shape.

Knowing When to Harvest

Harvest when the roots have filled out into their smooth egg shape and feel firm beneath the soil, usually around 2–3 inches long. Smaller roots are especially crisp and mild, while larger roots should be gathered before hot weather makes them coarse. Cut greens while they are fresh and upright, leaving the center growing point intact if you want continued production. Store unwashed roots in a cool, humid place and use the tops within a few days.

Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits

• Peas: A cool-season pairing that shares the spring and fall window while using different vertical space.
• Onions: Upright neighbors that fit neatly beside low turnip foliage.
• Dill: Adds diversity to the bed and helps attract beneficial insects.
• Lettuce: A quick, low-growing companion for filling bed edges.
• Beets: Compatible cool-season roots with similar moisture needs and a different harvest shape.

How to Enjoy

• Roast whole or halved roots with olive oil, salt, and herbs.
• Slice young turnips into salads, slaws, and sandwiches.
• Add chopped roots to soups, stews, and vegetable braises.
• Sauté the greens with garlic, onions, and a splash of vinegar.
• Glaze small turnips with butter or maple for a mild sweet-savory side dish.

Order Today

Grow a quick, mild root crop with a smooth white finish, tender greens, and an easy-to-use kitchen shape. Order White Egg Turnip Heirloom Seeds today and bring this charming cool-season classic to your garden.