Growli

Troubleshooting

Turnip 'Tokyo Cross' problems — and how to fix them

Turnip 'Tokyo Cross' (Brassica rapa var. rapa 'Tokyo Cross') 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

Peppers young leaves with small holes and slows the fast early growth this F1 depends on; cover seedlings with fine mesh and keep them well watered.

Splitting

Because growth is so rapid, leaving roots in the ground too long or heavy rain after dry spells splits them; harvest promptly at golf-ball size.

Clubroot

Brassica soil disease distorting roots; rotate brassicas, improve drainage and lime to raise pH.

Pithy roots if over-mature

Tokyo Cross is bred for early, tender harvest; left too long roots lose their sweetness, so pick young and successionally re-sow.

Prevent turnip 'tokyo cross' problems before they start

Most turnip 'tokyo cross' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:

Looking for turnip 'tokyo cross' in general rather than its problems? Read the full turnip 'tokyo cross' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.

Turnip 'Tokyo Cross' problems — FAQ

Why is my turnip 'tokyo cross' flea beetle?

Peppers young leaves with small holes and slows the fast early growth this F1 depends on; cover seedlings with fine mesh and keep them well watered.

Why is my turnip 'tokyo cross' splitting?

Because growth is so rapid, leaving roots in the ground too long or heavy rain after dry spells splits them; harvest promptly at golf-ball size.

Why is my turnip 'tokyo cross' clubroot?

Brassica soil disease distorting roots; rotate brassicas, improve drainage and lime to raise pH.

Why is my turnip 'tokyo cross' pithy roots if over-mature?

Tokyo Cross is bred for early, tender harvest; left too long roots lose their sweetness, so pick young and successionally re-sow.