GardenHow to grow turnip (shalgam)
शलजम. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsSeptember to November
South and coastal IndiaOctober and November
HillsJuly to September
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 1 cm
- Spacing
- Thin to 10 cm apart
- In a pot
- A box or pot 25 cm deep
- Sprouts in
- 4 to 8 days
- Harvest
- 45 to 60 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Turnip is a quick winter crop for the plains. Pull the roots when they are the size of a tennis ball.
- The green tops are a good leaf vegetable. Cook them the day they are cut.
- Keep the soil moist for mild, sweet roots.
What can go wrong
Roots turn fibrous and bitter if left too long or grown in warm weather. Sow on time and harvest young.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is turnip sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for turnip are September to November.
How long does turnip take to grow?
Usually 45 to 60 days.
Can turnip be grown in a pot?
Yes. A box or pot 25 cm deep.