The turnip sprout represents the first phase of growth for the Brassica rapa plant, signaling successful germination. Recognizing this initial stage helps gardeners confirm successful planting and distinguish the young turnip from other emerging seedlings or common weeds. Turnip seeds typically germinate quickly, with the first visible growth emerging above the soil line within four to seven days under optimal conditions.
Visual Characteristics of the Seedling Stage
The initial structures to appear are the cotyledons, often called seed leaves, which emerge as a pair. These embryonic structures provide the seedling with stored energy until it can begin photosynthesis. Turnip cotyledons are characteristically bright green, smooth, and possess a kidney-shaped or slightly heart-shaped appearance.
They are relatively small, typically measuring less than half an inch across, and sit opposite each other on a short, pale stem. The cotyledons’ function is temporary, and they look nothing like the mature turnip foliage. Within a few days of the cotyledons fully expanding, the plant begins to develop its first set of true leaves from the center growing point.
The true leaves mark a significant change in the seedling’s appearance because they resemble the adult plant’s foliage on a miniature scale. Growing between and above the cotyledons, these new leaves are typically lobed, slightly ruffled, or serrated along the edges. Their color is often a darker green than the smooth seed leaves, and they may occasionally display a subtle purplish tint near the base.
A key identifying trait for turnip true leaves is their texture, as they often develop fine, bristle-like hairs, common among plants in the Brassica genus. This slight fuzziness distinguishes them from the smooth cotyledons. The appearance of the first two true leaves indicates that the seedling has transitioned and is ready to produce its own food.
How Turnip Sprouts Change Over Time
As the true leaves expand and become fully functional in photosynthesis, the importance of the cotyledons diminishes. Over time, the initial seed leaves will naturally yellow, wither, and eventually drop off the stem. This shedding confirms that the plant is now self-sufficient and relies on the energy produced by its true foliage.
The true leaves continue to develop, quickly increasing in size and complexity, following the characteristic lobing pattern of mature turnip greens. This rapid development helps differentiate turnip sprouts from similar-looking brassica seedlings, such as radishes. While many brassica sprouts look nearly identical initially, the turnip’s true leaves often grow larger and develop a more distinct, hairy surface sooner than some relatives.
Observing the progression to hairy, lobed true leaves is the best way to confirm that the emerging seedling is a turnip and not a smooth-leaved weed. The sprout phase ends as the plant establishes a rosette of substantial true leaves, typically within a few weeks of germination. At this point, the plant directs energy toward developing the leafy top and beginning the underground formation of the edible root.