Platte Witte Mei (Flat White May) Turnip

As its Dutch name proclaims, this is a flattened, white turnip from the Netherlands and is ready to eat by mid-May if planted several weeks before the last frost. The tender, young, green-shouldered turnip roots are particularly tasty with smooth skin and crunchy flesh. The green leaves can be eaten as turnip greens. Start anytime from late winter to early fall.

Our seed was grown by Clint (and Kass) of Cultivating the Commons, who says:

"I couldn't resist snaggin' this heirloom to explore a root of our past! Turnips were the go-to root in Europe through time that could cover all the bases; mashed, baked, soups, sides, fresh, etc. This turnip absolutely resisted bolting, to a T! Wouldn't budge from a Spring planting and held through the Summer amazingly. I'm especially excited to grow a bunch next year for making Halloween faces!"

Days to maturity: 63

Seeds per pack: 140

Germination rate: 91% on 11/12/2024

Planting / harvesting notes

To start indoors, sow seeds up to 1/4" deep in potting soil 4-8 weeks before the last frost for Spring planting, and transplant 1-2' apart just before the last frost. Plant again in late summer for Fall harvests. To direct sow, seed every 2-4" in rows 12" apart, 1/4" Keep watered until germination. Thin to every 12" for large leaves, or treat as cut-and-come-again baby greens. Harvest baby greens after 35-45 days, or allow plant to mature in 62 days.

Seed keeping notes