Yellow Turnip, locally known as Peela Shaljam, produces round roots with golden-yellow skin and yellow flesh. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a firm texture that becomes tender after cooking. Use it in shaljam gosht, curries, mixed sabzi, soups, stews, pickles and roasted dishes.

Turnips have been grown across Europe and western Asia for centuries. Yellow types are valued for their attractive colour, fuller flavour and suitability for cool-season home gardens.

Why Grow It

• Golden Roots: Produces attractive yellow-skinned roots with yellow flesh.
• Mild Taste: Slightly sweet flavour that becomes richer after cooking.
• Everyday Cooking: Suitable for curries, meat dishes, soups and pickles.
• Quick Growing: Roots can usually be harvested within two months.
• Pot Friendly: Grows well in containers with sufficient depth.

Best Conditions

• Germination: Usually 5–10 days
• Temperature: Around 10–24°C
• Sunlight: At least 6 hours
• Pot size: A pot at least 10–12 inches deep
• Spacing: About 3–6 inches between plants
• Plant height: Usually around 12–18 inches
• Soil: Loose, fertile and well-draining mix

In Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sow from September to November. In hotter areas such as Karachi and southern Punjab, sow from October to December after the strongest heat has eased. In colder northern and hilly areas, sow from March to April after the risk of hard frost has passed, or from August to September for an autumn harvest.

How to Sow

1. Loosen the soil and remove stones, hard lumps and old roots.
2. Sow directly in the final pot or garden bed, around ¼–½ inch deep.
3. Place seeds about 1–2 inches apart and cover lightly with soil.
4. Water gently and keep the upper soil lightly moist until seedlings appear.
5. Thin the seedlings after true leaves develop, leaving 3–6 inches between plants.

Plant Care

Keep the soil evenly moist while the roots are developing. Long dry periods followed by heavy watering can cause cracking or poor texture. Remove weeds carefully because the roots grow close to the soil surface.

Mix a small amount of Vermicompost into the soil before sowing. Avoid fresh manure and excessive feeding because they can encourage too many leaves or misshapen roots.

Check young plants for aphids and green caterpillars. Remove visible caterpillars and badly damaged leaves. Spray Neem Oil on affected leaves, including their undersides.

Local Gardener Tips

• Sow directly because transplanting can disturb the developing root.
• Thin crowded seedlings early so each root has room to become round.
• Do not cover the upper part of the root if it rises above the soil.
• Harvest before hot weather makes the roots strong or fibrous.

Harvesting

Yellow Turnips are usually ready around 50–70 days after sowing. Harvest when the roots are about 2–3 inches wide and still feel firm. Roots left for too long may become woody or develop a stronger taste.

Water the soil lightly before harvesting, then loosen it around the root and pull the plant gently by its leaves. Remove the tops before storing the roots in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Is Yellow Turnip different from White Turnip?

Yellow Turnip has golden-yellow skin and flesh, with a slightly sweeter and fuller flavour. White Turnip is usually lighter in taste and colour. Both can be cooked in similar ways.

Why are my turnips long or forked instead of round?

Hard soil, stones, fresh manure and overcrowding can change the root’s shape. Use loose soil and thin the seedlings while they are still small.

What causes many tiny holes in the leaves?

Tiny round holes are commonly caused by flea beetles. Young seedlings are especially vulnerable, so inspect them regularly and protect them with fine mesh when needed.

Can Yellow Turnip leaves be eaten?

Yes. Healthy young leaves can be washed and cooked as greens. Take only a few leaves from each plant so the root can continue developing.

Why did the plant flower before forming a good root?

Turnips may flower early after temperature stress or when planted too late in warm weather. Sow during the recommended cool months and keep the soil evenly moist.

Common names: Yellow Turnip, Golden Turnip, Desi Yellow Turnip, Peela Shaljam, پیلا شلجم