Purple Top Turnip

Purple Top Turnip – Raw Seed
Dual-Purpose Brassica for High-Tonnage Forage and Late-Season Attraction

Purple Top Turnips are a classic cool-season brassica, prized in food plots for producing both leafy, high-protein forage and energy-packed underground bulbs. This dual-purpose growth habit makes them a dependable choice for attracting and holding deer from early fall through the post-frost months.

The leafy tops provide excellent grazing early and mid-fall, delivering digestible protein levels of 18–24% when young and tender. As temperatures drop, the large, sweetened bulbs become a sought-after food source—especially in late season when other options are scarce. Deer will dig through snow to reach them, making Purple Top Turnips one of the best “season extender” crops available.

Turnips are fast-growing, work well in a wide range of soils, and tolerate light drought once established. They can be planted alone or paired with other brassicas, cereal grains, or clovers for more diverse forage options. While highly adaptable, they respond best to fertile, well-drained soils with balanced nutrients—especially nitrogen and potassium—to support both leaf growth and root development.

This seed is raw and untreated, making it compatible with organic programs. For maximum impact, avoid planting brassicas in the same plot two years in a row to prevent disease carryover.

• Seeding Rate:

  • 4–6 lbs per acre (drilled)

  • 6–8 lbs per acre (broadcast)

  • In blends: 2–4 lbs per acre

• Planting Depth: ¼–½ inch

• Best Planting Time: Late July through early September (region dependent)

• Soil Preference: Fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam; pH 6.0–7.0

• Fertility Needs: 40–60 lbs/acre nitrogen at planting; avoid excess nitrogen to prevent excessive tops and smaller bulbs

• Coating: Raw, untreated seed

• Bag Sizes: 1 lb, 4 lb, 8 lb

Whether planted as a standalone forage or blended with companion species, Purple Top Turnips provide a steady, high-quality food source that keeps wildlife in your plot from the first frost until spring thaw.