Nagasaki Akari Kabu Turnips with sauteed greens plated in a ceramic bowl on a white background.
Nagasaki Akari Kabu Turnips on a plate with yellow blooms.
A man in a Japanese chef apron holding sauteed turnip greens and Nagasaki Akari Kabu Turnips.
Close-up view of sauteed greens with Nagasaki Akari Kabu turnips in ceramic bowl.
Gardener washing freshly harvested Nagasaki Akari Kabu Turnips in an outside garden faucet backlit by the sun.
Nagasaki Akari Kabu Turnips with sauteed greens plated in a ceramic bowl on a white background.
Nagasaki Akari Kabu Turnips on a plate with yellow blooms.
A man in a Japanese chef apron holding sauteed turnip greens and Nagasaki Akari Kabu Turnips.
Close-up view of sauteed greens with Nagasaki Akari Kabu turnips in ceramic bowl.
Gardener washing freshly harvested Nagasaki Akari Kabu Turnips in an outside garden faucet backlit by the sun.

Turnip Seeds,
Nagasaki Akari Kabu

4.47 ReviewsSKU: #TN119Min. seed count: 300
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Description

(Brassica rapa). A stunningly beautiful and delicious turnip traditionally grown in lovely Nagasaki, Japan. This sweet turnip has a plum to wine color skin with a hint of delicate purple in the sweet, crisp flesh. Great for pickling and a delicious raw turnip for fresh eating and salads. Ready 50 days from sowing. Incredibly good!

Growing Tips: Nagasaki Akari Kabu thrives in cool weather and is best grown in well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. The turnips should be planted in full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade, though this may affect growth. Consistent moisture is key to preventing the roots from becoming tough or woody. To protect against common pests like flea beetles, consider using row covers.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica rapa
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–7
Days to Maturity
50
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
5 in.
Ideal Temperature
45–85°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

This turnip variety is a cool-season crop, ideal for planting in either early spring or late summer. For spring planting, sow the seeds about 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. For a fall crop, plant in late summer, about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost. If you’re in a region with mild winters, fall planting is ideal as the cooler temperatures can enhance the sweetness of the roots. If you’re not sure how to find your area's first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Directly sow the seeds into the garden 1/4 inch deep, with a spacing of 1-2 inches between seeds in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to about 5 inches apart to allow the roots to develop properly. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-10 days. To improve germination and protect young seedlings from pests, use floating row covers​.

How to Grow

Nagasaki Akari Kabu turnips don’t require a lot of maintenance once established. Ensure that the soil remains loose, well-drained, and consistently moist. Watering should be done at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds. These turnips mature quickly, usually within 50 days, making them a great choice for both spring and fall gardens.

How to Save Seeds

To save seeds, allow the plants to flower and set seed. Once the seed pods have dried, harvest and store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Ensure that no other Brassica species are flowering nearby to prevent cross-pollination.

FAQ

Can Nagasaki Akari Kabu turnips be grown in containers?

Yes, they can be grown in containers that are at least 8-12 inches deep. Ensure the container has good drainage and use a well-draining, fertile soil mix. Water consistently to keep the soil moist.

How do I prevent Nagasaki Akari Kabu turnips from becoming bitter?

Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid letting the soil dry out. Harvest the turnips when they are small to medium in size, as larger roots can become woody and bitter, especially if left in the ground too long.

What pests should I watch out for?

Common pests include flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage root maggots. Using row covers and maintaining healthy, well-drained soil can help prevent infestations. Companion planting with radishes can also help deter some pests.

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