Troubleshooting
Turnip 'Hakurei' problems — and how to fix them
Turnip 'Hakurei' (Brassica rapa var. rapa 'Hakurei') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Flea beetle
Shotgun holes in seedling leaves slow the rapid growth Hakurei relies on; protect with fine mesh from sowing and keep plants watered.
Loss of sweetness in heat
Warm weather makes roots hotter and coarser; grow in the cool of spring and autumn and harvest young for the signature raw-eating sweetness.
Clubroot
Brassica disease swelling and distorting roots; rotate brassicas on a 3-4 year cycle, improve drainage and lime acid soil.
Cracking if over-mature
Roots split if left in the ground past prime; pick at 4-6 cm and sow successionally rather than holding a single crop.
Prevent turnip 'hakurei' problems before they start
Most turnip 'hakurei' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for turnip 'hakurei' in general rather than its problems? Read the full turnip 'hakurei' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Turnip 'Hakurei' problems — FAQ
Why is my turnip 'hakurei' flea beetle?
Shotgun holes in seedling leaves slow the rapid growth Hakurei relies on; protect with fine mesh from sowing and keep plants watered.
Why is my turnip 'hakurei' loss of sweetness in heat?
Warm weather makes roots hotter and coarser; grow in the cool of spring and autumn and harvest young for the signature raw-eating sweetness.
Why is my turnip 'hakurei' clubroot?
Brassica disease swelling and distorting roots; rotate brassicas on a 3-4 year cycle, improve drainage and lime acid soil.
Why is my turnip 'hakurei' cracking if over-mature?
Roots split if left in the ground past prime; pick at 4-6 cm and sow successionally rather than holding a single crop.