Russian Turnip. French Turnip. Brassica campestris Ruta-baga. De Cand.
The Ruta-baga, or Swede Turnip, is supposed by De Candolle to be analogous to the Kohl Rabi; the root being developed into a large, fleshy bulb, instead of the stem. In its natural state, the root is small and slender; and the stem smooth and branching,—not much exceeding two feet in height.
The bulbs, or roots, are fully developed during the first year. The plant flowers, and produces its seeds, the second year, and then perishes. Although considered hardy,—not being affected by even severe frosts,—none of the varieties will withstand the winters of the Northern or Middle States in the open ground. The crop should therefore be harvested in October or November, and stored for the winter, out of danger from freezing. Most of the sorts now cultivated retain their freshness and solidity till spring, and some even into the summer; requiring no particular care in their preservation, other than that usually given to the carrot or the potato.
Soil and Cultivation.—All the varieties succeed best in a deep, well-enriched, mellow soil; which, previous to planting, should be very deeply ploughed, and thoroughly pulverized by harrowing or otherwise. Some practise ridging, and others sow in simple drills. The ridges are usually formed by turning two furrows against each other; and, being thus made, are about two feet apart. If sown in simple drills, the surface should be raked smooth, and the drills made from sixteen to eighteen inches apart; the distance to be regulated by the strength of the soil.
Seed and Sowing.—About one pound of seed is usually allowed to an acre. Where the rows are comparatively close, rather more than this quantity will be required; while three-fourths of a pound will be amply sufficient, if sown on ridges, or where the drills are eighteen inches apart. The sowing may be made from the middle of May to the 25th of July; the latter time being considered sufficiently early for growing for the table, and by some even for stock. Early sowings will unquestionably give the greatest product; while the later-grown bulbs, though of smaller dimensions, will prove of quite as good quality for the table.
To raise Seeds.—Select the smoothest and most symmetrical bulbs, and transplant them in April, two feet asunder, sinking the crowns to a level with the surface of the ground.
The seeds are very similar to those of the common garden and field turnip, and will keep from five to eight years.
Varieties.—The varieties are as follow:—
Ashcroft.
Bulb of medium size, ovoid, very smooth and symmetrical; neck very short, or wanting. Above ground, the skin is purple; below the surface, yellow. Flesh yellow, very solid, fine-grained, and of excellent flavor. It forms its bulb quickly and regularly; keeps in fresh and sound condition until May or June; and well deserves cultivation, either for agricultural purposes or for the table.