Turnips and rutabagas are among the most commonly grown and widely adapted root crops. They are members of the Cruciferae or mustard family and belong to the genus Brassica.
Turnips are Brassica rapa and rutabagas are Brassica napobrassica.
The two are similar in plant size and general characteristics. Turnip leaves are usually light green, thin and hairy, while the rutabagas are bluish- green, thick and smooth. The roots of turnips generally have little or no neck and a distinct taproot, while rutabaga roots are often more elongated and have a thick, leafy neck and roots originating from the underside of the edible root as well as from the taproot. Early maturing varieties of turnips can be ready to harvest in 40 days, while late-maturing varieties take up to 75 days. These crops are biennials, which implies seed production during the second year.