Short answer: soak 15 to 25 g of turnip seed for 2 to 4 hours. Spread it evenly on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist potting mix. Mist, cover and keep it dark for 2 to 3 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below daily. Cut at 8 to 12 days, when the seed leaves are open.
Why grow turnip microgreens?
- Fast. One of the quickest brassicas.
- Mild heat. Peppery but gentler than radish.
- Colour. Many turnips grow pink to purple stems.
- Beginner-friendly. Big enough seed to sow evenly, few problems.
What you need
- Turnip seed sold for sprouting or microgreens
- A 10 × 20 inch tray set
- About 1 inch of moist potting mix or a grow mat
- A cover, a spray bottle, and a bright window or LED light
How to grow turnip microgreens, day by day
- Day0
Soak
Soak the seed for 2 to 4 hours in cool water. Drain it well.
- Day0
Sow
Spread the seed evenly over the moist soil, press it lightly, and mist.
- Day0–3
Blackout
Cover the tray. Mist once or twice a day.
- Day2–3
Uncover
Take off the cover when the seedlings lift it. Give bright light for 12 to 16 hours a day.
- Day3–10
Water from below
Water through the solid tray once a day.
- Day8–12
Harvest
Cut just above the soil when the seed leaves are fully open.
Turnip microgreens problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Mold at the base | Sown too thick or overwatered | Sow thinner, water from below, add airflow |
| Pale stems | Low light | Brighter light brings out the colour |
| Leggy seedlings | Uncovered late, low light | Uncover on time, move closer to light |
| Hulls on leaves | Dry blackout | Mist before uncovering |
How to eat turnip microgreens
- Salads: a mild peppery layer.
- Sandwiches and wraps.
- Soups and stews: add at the end.
- With roast vegetables: they pair well with root vegetables.
- In microgreen mixes: see microgreen mixes.
Store turnip microgreens dry in a lined container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.
The same seed also makes turnip sprouts in a jar. If you like turnip, try kale microgreens next: just as easy, even milder.
Seeds in this article
Frequently asked questions
How long do turnip microgreens take to grow?
About 8 to 12 days. Turnip sprouts fast and is usually ready in under two weeks. Harvest when the seed leaves are fully open.
What do turnip microgreens taste like?
Mild and peppery, a little like a softer radish green with a hint of sweetness. They're less hot than radish or mustard.
How much turnip seed per tray?
About 15 to 25 g for a 10 × 20 inch tray. Use roughly half that for a 10 × 10 tray.
Do turnip microgreens regrow?
No. Once you cut them, they won't grow back. Compost the roots and soil and sow a fresh tray.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
