Turnip 'Snowball'

'Snowball' is a classic, rapid-growing garden turnip that has been a favourite in the UK for generations. It produces perfectly spherical, pure white roots with a smooth skin and a crisp, juicy flesh. When harvested young, at about the size of a golf ball, the flavour is incredibly sweet and mild, making them suitable for grating raw into salads or lightly steaming. If left to grow larger, they retain their quality well and are excellent for roasting or adding to stews. In the British climate, they can be sown from March right through to August, provided they are kept well-watered to prevent the roots from becoming woody or bitter. They are a great 'catch crop', fitting into small gaps in the vegetable plot due to their quick maturation. Protection with fleece is recommended in the spring to protect against flea beetle, which can pepper the leaves with small holes, though the roots are rarely affected.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.