May Turnip Golden Ball [Brassica rapa subsp. rapa var. majalis]

The biennial turnip 'Golden Ball' is an old, rare and historic turnip variety with mustard oils, many vitamins and minerals. Yellow-fleshed turnips are winter hardy with a very fast development time for year-round cultivation. Pleasantly mild and relatively sweet taste. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing all year round, good for mixed culture, harvesting of the roots.

 Description 
The turnip 'Golden Ball' is a biennial, rare and historic turnip variety from 1844 and was traditionally grown in Europe for a long time until the introduction of the potato. This old and almost forgotten vegetable contains many vitamins and minerals, which is why turnips were also a staple food in the Middle Ages. Turnips are one of the oldest vegetables in the world. This fast-growing variety develops yellow-fleshed, round turnips and, despite the mustard oils, is characterized by a pleasant, mild and relatively sweet taste that is reminiscent of radishes. Healthy and strong foliage. Bolt-resistant, making it suitable for early outdoor cultivation. The turnips have a long harvest period and can be easily grown in spring or autumn and store excellently. They are suitable in salads or as a raw vegetable with a dip.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassiceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 50 days
Plant height approx.: 30 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -10°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich sandy loam soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 12-18 °C
Germination time: 7-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x50 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Onion, Tomato, Celery, Bean, Spinach, Parsley, Parsnip, Chard, Pea, Chervil, Lettuce
Unfavorable mixed culture: Cabbage, Asian mustard vegetables, Mustard

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing all year round. The plants are ideally planted in a sunny to partially shaded location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to August is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing in rows is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Turnip 'Golden Ball' prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich sandy loam soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
For a staggered harvest, several sowings at intervals of 4 weeks are recommended. The harvest period extends until the first frost, after which the beets should be harvested and stored. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich soil and mixed planting are sufficient for turnips. No fertilization is necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa var. majalis, Brassica rapa var. majalis
English names: May turnip
German names: Mairübe, Mairübchen
Portuguese names: Nabo
Spanish names: Nabo
French names: Navet de mai

 Origin 
Country: Germany