SafePlants

Seven Top Turnip: A Gardener's Delight for Greens

The Seven Top Turnip is a unique variety of turnip specifically cultivated for its abundant and flavorful greens, rather than its root. This makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a reliable source of nutritious leaves.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the roots of Seven Top Turnips are "woody" and sometimes used for livestock feed, suggesting they are not toxic but perhaps not palatable for all animals.

Considerations for Children

• The text indicates the plant is edible and nutritious and often found in home gardens.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Brassica rapa
• Common Names: Seven Top Turnip, Foliage Turnip, Southern Prize, Winter Greens

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• The plant is referred to as a variety of Brassica rapa in the provided texts.
• Synonym: Brassica septiceps and Brassica napus

Distribution and Habitat

• Traditionally grown in the Southern United States for winter greens.
• Turnips, in general, grow wild in Siberia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grown for its leaves, which reach 12-25 inches in height, with some varieties reaching 16-22 inches or 18-22 inches
• The roots are described as "tough," "woody," and "inedible."
• Leaves are dark green and can reach about 20 inches tall.

Ecological Role

• Seven Top Turnips are a popular planting for deer, providing leafy, high-quality forage.

Growth and Harvest

• Greens are typically ready for harvest about 40-50 days after sowing seeds.
• Harvesting the greens before they get too tall (e.g., before 18-22 inches) is recommended for the most tender leaves.
• Can be grown as a winter annual for spring greens.
• Sowing January to April and again July

Uses

• Primarily grown for its nutritious and flavorful greens, which can be used in salads or steamed.
• Historically used as a winter green in the South.
• Roots are sometimes used for livestock feed.

Quirky Facts

• The "Seven Top" name alludes to the plant's tendency to produce numerous stems from its base.
• This variety dates back to before 1800, and was introduced in the 1700's, indicating a long history of cultivation.