Brassica rapa Malwira

Brassica rapa 'Malwira' is a versatile variety of turnip that is suitable for intercropping between two other crops, both in summer and winter. This annual or biennial plant is well-suited for winter cultivation and can efficiently absorb nitrogen present in the topsoil, which helps protect against leaching of nutrients. The turnip reaches a height of 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) and up to 80cm (32in) during summer flowering. Its fast growth and low, dense foliage effectively limit the development of weeds. Hardy down to -8 to -10 °C (17.6 to 14°F), 'Malwira' is a highly resistant variety suitable for late sowing. The foliage can be used to feed livestock. It is very resistant to diseases. It is particularly appreciated for its limited ability to form flowers, reducing the risk of unwanted seeding.

Brassica rapa L. var. silvestris, also known as wild turnip or subsp. oleifera, belongs to the Brassicaceae family (formerly known as the Cruciferae family), like cabbage, rapeseed, turnip, and mustard. It is native to Europe and the Middle East, and has been cultivated since the 16th century. After World War II, the production of the plant almost disappeared, making way for rapeseed, a hybrid plant of cabbage and turnip, which has a higher yield per hectare. In recent years, the turnip has been commonly used as a fodder crop, a cover crop between two crops, or as green manure. Summer turnip is also grown for its leaves, which can be cooked in the same way as spinach.

The 'Malwira' variety is a recent development, characterised by a root system consisting of a small taproot and a network of adventitious roots extending up to 20cm (8in) deep. This characteristic gives it the advantage of structuring the top 20cm (8in) of soil. Similar in size to rapeseed, it measures between 30 and 90cm (12 and 35in) in height. Although not heavily branched, its stem is adorned with bristly leaves, which can vary from bright green to glaucous. The flowering of this melliferous plant occurs from May to June, in the form of tight, rounded clusters of small golden yellow flowers. Subsequently, elongated siliques form and contain small oil-rich seeds ranging from red to black.

Green manures, widely used in permaculture, have several advantages. They enrich and loosen the soil while preventing the growth of weeds. Additionally, they act as a vegetative cover that protects loamy soils from erosion caused by rain. They also protect sandy soils from leaching. In this context, 'Malwira' can be sown from April to October and incorporated through deep digging or ploughing. Its rapid growth rate is also advantageous, as it can be turned over 30 days after sowing.

The gardener's tip: to enhance the benefits of your green manure through increased diversity, you can sow it in combination with another annual leguminous herbaceous plant, such as common vetch (Vicia sativa), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), white clover (Trifolium repens), or Phacelia with tansy-leaved leaves (Phacelia tanacetifolia), a floriferous hydrophyllaceous plant appreciated by bees. The turnip will occupy the lower stratum of the mixture, thus limiting the development of weeds.