Short answer: soak 1 tablespoon of turnip seed for 2 to 4 hours. Drain it into a jar, then rinse and drain twice a day. Give the leaves a little indirect light on day 4 and harvest at 4 to 5 days. For microgreens, sow 15 to 25 g per 10 × 20 inch tray and cut at 8 to 12 days.
What are turnip sprouts?
Turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) is a cabbage-family root vegetable. Its sprouts look like small radish sprouts, often with pink or purple tints on the stems. The flavour is gently peppery and slightly sweet. Sprouting.com gives turnip 4 to 5 days as sprouts and 8 to 12 days as microgreens.1
How to grow turnip sprouts
- Day0
Soak
Rinse 1 tablespoon of seed and soak it for 2 to 4 hours in cool water.
- Day0–4
Rinse and drain
Drain into a jar with a mesh lid. Rinse and drain twice a day, keeping the jar upside down at an angle.
- Day4
Light
Move the jar near a bright window, out of direct sun, so the leaves turn green.
- Day4–5
Harvest
Final rinse, drain and dry for a few hours, then refrigerate.
Turnip microgreens
Turnip is an easy, fast microgreen. Sow 15 to 25 g on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist potting mix, keep it dark for 2 to 3 days, and then give bright light. Strong light brings out the pink stems. Full method: turnip microgreens.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Slimy or sour | Standing water | Drain fully, rinse twice a day |
| White fuzz on roots | Root hairs (normal) | Rinse; they flatten when wet |
| Pale leaves | No light at the end | A few hours of indirect light on day 4 |
Tips for growing turnip sprouts
- Soak 2 to 4 hours. Longer soaks aren't needed for this small seed.
- Use 1 tablespoon per quart jar.
- Drain completely after every rinse.
- Harvest at 4 to 5 days, after a few hours of indirect light.
Storing turnip sprouts
Dry them well, then refrigerate in a lined container. They keep about 5 to 7 days.
How to eat turnip sprouts
- Salads and grain bowls
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Soups, added at the end
- Mixed with milder sprouts for a gentle bite
Turnip mixes well with other brassicas. See microgreen mixes and types of sprouts.
Safety
The FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat raw or lightly cooked sprouts, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook them.23
Turnip FAQ
How long do turnip sprouts take to grow?
About 4 to 5 days in a jar after a 2 to 4 hour soak. As microgreens on soil, they take 8 to 12 days.
What do turnip sprouts taste like?
Mild and peppery with a hint of sweetness. They're less spicy than radish or mustard.
Can you eat turnip sprouts raw?
Many people do, but raw sprouts carry a food-safety risk. Higher-risk groups should cook them, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook sprouts.
Can turnip sprouts be mixed with radish?
Yes. Turnip and radish sprout at a similar pace. Turnip softens radish's heat in a mixed jar.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
