Turnip Atlantic (pink collar) - Brassica rapa

Brassica rapa 'Atlantic' is an early variety of turnip, producing a round flattened root with beautiful colouring and fine and tasty flesh. Recommended for early crops, this variety is sown from March to May, or from February for indoor sowing. Harvesting takes place approximately 2 months later.

The turnip has been known since prehistoric times and has always been part of the diet of people in Northern Europe. It is often consumed cooked in gratins, mashed, or as an accompaniment to soups, pot-au-feu, and stews. Baby turnips do not need to be peeled and can be eaten raw, grated and mixed with other raw vegetables. Young turnip leaves can also be consumed in soups. Turnips have diuretic, refreshing, remineralising properties, and contain vitamins (A, B5, B6, C, PP) and minerals (calcium, iron, copper, magnesium).

Turnip plants require a supply of well-decomposed compost (3 kg/m²) in late autumn or early spring.

Harvest: there are numerous varieties of turnips, meaning harvesting can take place all year. This root vegetable comes in many shapes (long, half-long, round, or flat) and colours (white, yellow, pink, or violet). Turnips can be harvested two months after sowing. Spring-summer turnips can be harvested according to needs and desired size, from May to July. Autumn-winter varieties can be harvested from October until the first frost. To harvest them, lift with a fork or spade and gently pull on the base of the leaves.

Storage: let the turnips dry for a few hours on the ground, and cut the foliage above the collar. Turnips can be stored for several months in a cellar or in sand, in a cool and dark place.

Gardener's tip: planting fennel next to turnips helps repel flea beetles and turnip flies. If necessary, use a forcing cover or an insect-proof net. Regularly weed and hoe.