Wild Turnip
Brassica rapa campestrisfam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. 64BA — Brassica rapa campestris
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IOverview
Overview
Wild Turnip (Brassica rapa campestris) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, and Iraq. This plant is known for its edible leaves and documented medicinal uses. It thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH range of 5 to 8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Wild Turnip can grow up to 0.8 meters tall and is propagated by direct seeding outdoors. Its distinctive features include its light energy requirement and moist nature, contributing to its hardiness in zones 6-9.
Quick answers
What is Wild Turnip?
Wild Turnip (Brassica rapa campestris) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, and Iraq. This plant is known for its edible leaves and documented medicinal uses.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Comfort
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wild Turnip (Brassica rapa campestris) thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a sandy texture for best growth. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate varying soil pH levels between 5 and 8. This annual plant grows up to 0.8 meters tall and is best propagated by direct seeding outdoors. It prefers full sun or partial shade and is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 6 to 9. Harvest the edible leaves for use in your culinary creations.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
5–8
- Propagation
- Direct seed outdoors
- Row spacing
- 2 cm
- Seed viability
- 3 to 7 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Wild Turnip for the first time
8steps
Start with direct seeding outdoors for a simple and rewarding experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Wild Turnip seeds, a garden plot or large container, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall harvests.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure pH between 5-8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct seed outdoors in rows about 30 cm apart, with seeds spaced 2.5 cm apart. Cover lightly with soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and thin out seedlings to 15-20 cm apart once they have grown a few leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any yellowing or diseased leaves to maintain plant health. Harvest outer leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overcrowding, not providing enough water, planting too late in the season, neglecting soil preparation.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe5 regions
native (5)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceItalyRussia
Asia6 regions
native (6)IranIraqOmanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkey
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa6 regions
native (6)AlgeriaEritreaEthiopiaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast, Andaman Is., Amur, Altay, Aleutian Is., Alberta, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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