Common Problems Root maggots can be a problem in areas where radishes, turnips, or rutabagas were grown the previous year. The soil should be treated with a suggested insecticide before the next planting. A. Rutabagas are best grown as a fall crop. When they develop and mature in hot weather, they do not develop typical sweetness and flavor. Crowded turnips will fail to enlarge.
Turnips also require a moderately fertile soil and adequate moisture to grow large, fleshy roots.
Plant in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked. The varieties Crawford and Shogoin are grown primarily for their tops and usually fail to make large, high-quality roots. A. Conditions which result in slow growth or stress will often cause the leaves to have a bitter, off-flavor. This condition is prevalent when turnip leaves mature under high temperatures and unfavorable growing conditions. Q. My plants appear to be stunted and have small, round galls on the roots.