Distinct from turnip and slower to size up. The long, mild winter window is important; harvest before sustained spring heat.
EdibleCool-season crop
Growing spaceVegetable bedClimate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9bCrop familyBrassicaceae (mustard)Life cycleAnnual cropPhoenix planting windowSeptember–January; sow early enough for a long cool growing period.How to plantDirect sow and thin; avoid transplanting the storage root.Plant spacing6–8 inFrostTolerates light frost once established; cover during a hard freeze.Time to harvestAbout 100–120 daysSuccessionOne or two early fall sowings are more reliable than late starts.Special categoriesEDIBLETypical harvestWinter into early spring roots.
Before you plant
These conditions determine whether it will thrive.
Cold hardinessCover in a hard freeze
Hardy and handles Valley frost fine. Cover in a hard freeze.
Heat toleranceNeeds afternoon shade
Needs a long cool season to size up. Roots get woody and bitter in heat, so sow by January and harvest by April in Phoenix.
