How to Grow Turnips Indoors (Beginner-Friendly Root Veggie Guide)

by | Aug 21, 2025 | Fruit/Vegetables

Healthy turnip plant growing indoors

How to Grow Turnips Indoors (Year-Round Root Veg Made Easy)

Turnips are a surprisingly underrated root vegetable you can grow indoors. With their fast-growing cycle and edible greens, turnips offer a practical and rewarding addition to your indoor gardening journey. Whether you’re limited on space or want to harvest fresh roots without stepping outside, this guide covers everything you need to know about growing turnips indoors successfully.

Why Grow Turnips Indoors?

Turnips thrive in cooler climates and don’t require complex growing conditions, making them ideal for indoor environments. Here are a few benefits:

  • Quick harvest time (30–60 days)

  • Both roots and greens are edible

  • Grow well in containers

  • Great for beginner gardeners

  • Easy to grow from seed

With the right container, lighting, and care, you can enjoy fresh, crispy turnips straight from your windowsill or balcony garden.

What You Need to Get Started

Before planting, gather the following essentials:

  • Turnip seeds (look for fast-growing varieties like ‘Tokyo Cross’)

  • A wide container (at least 8 inches deep)

  • Lightweight potting mix (well-draining)

  • A sunny windowsill or grow light

  • Watering can or spray bottle

  • Balanced liquid fertilizer

 Try this indoor grow light system for consistent lighting.

Best Varieties for Indoor Growing

Certain turnip varieties perform better indoors due to their compact size and faster maturity:

  • Tokyo Cross – fast-growing, sweet flavor

  • Hakurei – mild, tender, and great raw

  • Golden Ball – unique yellow flesh with a nutty taste

Choose heirloom or organic seeds for the best flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: Growing Turnips Indoors

1. Fill Your Container with Soil

Use a potting mix that drains well and has added organic matter. Avoid garden soil—it’s too heavy for container use.

2. Sow the Seeds

  • Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 2 inches apart

  • Lightly cover with soil and mist with water

  • Keep the soil moist but not soggy

3. Provide Light

Turnips require 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If natural light is limited, use a grow light.

 Check out this energy-efficient LED grow bulb

4. Thin Seedlings

Once seedlings sprout, thin them to about 4 inches apart. This gives each plant room to grow.

5. Water and Feed

  • Keep soil consistently moist

  • Water when the top inch feels dry

  • Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks

6. Harvest Time

  • Greens: Harvest when 4–6 inches tall

  • Roots: Ready in 30–60 days, depending on variety

Gently pull turnips from the soil once they’re about 2–3 inches in diameter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding: Leads to small or deformed roots.

  • Too little light: Causes weak, leggy growth.

  • Overwatering: Can rot roots and cause mold.

  • Skipping fertilizer: Slows down growth significantly.

Avoid these issues by monitoring your plants closely and maintaining consistent care.

How to Use Your Indoor-Grown Turnips

Turnips are a versatile veggie. Here’s how to use them:

  • Roast with herbs and garlic

  • Grate raw into salads

  • Add to soups and stews

  • Sauté the greens with olive oil and garlic

They store well in the fridge for about a week—just remove the greens first.

FAQs About Growing Turnips Indoors

Q: Can turnips grow under LED lights only?
A: Yes, just make sure they get 6–8 hours of full-spectrum light daily.

Q: How many turnips can I grow in one pot?
A: A 12-inch wide pot can hold 4–5 turnip plants comfortably.

Q: Do turnips need cold temperatures to grow?
A: No, but they prefer cooler conditions (60–70°F). Keep away from heaters or hot windows.

Q: Can I regrow turnips from scraps?
A: You can regrow greens from the top part of a turnip, but new roots will not form.

Final Thoughts on Growing Turnips Indoors

Growing turnips indoors is a great way to enjoy a nutritious, fast-growing vegetable without the need for an outdoor garden. They’re low-maintenance, beginner-friendly, and provide both greens and roots in a relatively short time. With the right care—good lighting, proper watering, and quality soil—you’ll be rewarded with crisp turnips and lush, leafy greens that elevate your cooking.

Whether you’re looking to add variety to your indoor veggie collection or want a fun new plant project, turnips are a smart, tasty choice. Give them a try and discover how simple it is to grow fresh produce at home—no matter the season.

Want to learn more about indoor root vegetables? Visit this helpful Wikipedia article for more growing tips.

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