Turnip (Shaljam) is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Both the roots and leafy tops are edible — perfect for soups, sautéed dishes, and desi recipes. It’s also a fast-growing crop ideal for pots or small kitchen gardens.
📅 Best Time to Grow Turnip in Pakistan
Turnip is a cool-season crop and grows best in autumn and winter:
| Sowing Season | Months |
|---|---|
| Main Season | October to January |
Avoid sowing in hot months (March–September) as turnips will bolt or become bitter.
🪴 Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Ideal Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 10°C – 25°C |
| Sunlight | Full to partial sun (4–6 hrs/day) |
| Soil Type | Loose, well-drained loamy soil |
| Soil pH | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Container Size | 10–12 inch deep grow bags or beds |
✅ Use ApnaUgao Grow Bags for best root depth
✅ Fill with Organic Potting Mix for ideal aeration
🌱 How to Grow Turnip at Home
1. Sowing Seeds
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Sow seeds directly in pots or grow bags — no transplanting needed.
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Sow ¼ inch deep, 2–3 inches apart in rows.
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Keep moist until germination (4–7 days).
2. Watering
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Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.
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Avoid waterlogging, especially in containers.
3. Feeding – Promote Healthy Roots
Use root-focused, organic fertilizers:
✅ Vermicompost: Improves soil and root development
✅ Bone Meal: Adds phosphorus for better root growth
✅ Light feeding of NPK can be added if needed, but avoid over-fertilizing or you’ll get big leaves and small roots.
⛏️ Harvesting
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Turnips are ready in 45–60 days, depending on variety.
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Gently pull one out to check size (2–3 inches diameter is ideal).
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Harvest before roots become woody or cracked.
🌿 Leafy Tops Are Edible Too!
Turnip greens are loaded with calcium and vitamins. You can harvest the leaves 2–3 times before pulling the root.
🐛 Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Leaf holes (pests) | Neem oil spray |
| Cracked roots | Caused by irregular watering |
| Small roots | Overcrowding or excess nitrogen |
🧺 Suitable Varieties for Pakistan
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Desi Shaljam – Large white roots, strong flavor
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Purple Top White Globe – Popular hybrid with mild taste
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Tokyo Cross – Small, fast-maturing variety
✅ Final Thoughts
Turnips are quick, versatile, and easy to grow in Pakistan’s winter season. With just a grow bag and organic potting mix, you can enjoy fresh shaljam from your own home garden.
🛒 Start growing now with:
🌱 Shop now at ApnaUgao.com – Grow Fresh. Eat Healthy.
