Scarlet Turnip
Scarlet Ohno Revival Turnip is a stunning heirloom that proves turnips deserve far more respect than they typically get. Breeder Frank Morton's reintroduction of this Japanese variety transformed it into something genuinely special: bright magenta roots with white and pink streaking inside, paired with tender pink-ribbed greens that are edible and delicious. Ready to harvest in just 50 days, this turnip thrives in full sun and reaches a manageable 18 inches tall, making it suitable for gardens of any size. Both roots and tops are beautiful and flavorful enough to revolutionize how you think about this often-overlooked crop.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-9
18in H x 4in W
Annual, Biennial
High
Hover over chart points for details
Every part of this turnip is both beautiful and good to eat. The roots are striking magenta on the outside with white flesh streaked in pink, while the leafy tops sport distinctive pink ribs and tender texture. Frank Morton's careful work brought this variety back from near obscurity, and it performs with equal excellence whether sliced thinly for raw dishes or pickled in the traditional style. The speed is remarkable too; you'll have mature roots in 50 days, making it one of the quickest turnips to grow.
The Scarlet Ohno Revival shines in multiple preparations. Slice the roots paper-thin and eat them raw, where their crisp texture and mild character shine. They also excel as a pickling turnip, taking on flavors beautifully while their color remains vivid. The leafy tops, tender and pink-ribbed, are every bit as worth cooking as the roots themselves, making this a plant where nothing goes to waste. Roasting or steaming the roots brings out their natural sweetness.
Direct sow seeds in cool-season conditions, either in early spring 2-3 weeks before the last frost or in mid to late summer for a fall crop. Turnips prefer to be sown directly rather than transplanted, as they develop quickly and the root disturbance of transplanting can cause splitting or forking.
Scarlet Ohno Revival Turnips are ready to harvest in 50 days. You can begin harvesting the tender greens once they reach usable size, which actually encourages root development. For the roots themselves, harvest when they reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter; at this stage they're at peak tenderness and flavor. You can leave them slightly smaller for raw eating or let them grow a bit larger for pickling. The bright magenta skin and firm feel indicate readiness. Gently loosen the soil around each root and pull, or use a garden fork to avoid bruising.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Scarlet Ohno Revival Turnip owes its existence to breeder Frank Morton, who improved and reintroduced this Japanese turnip variety after it had nearly disappeared from cultivation. The catalog source credits Morton specifically for rescuing the 'Ohno' turnip from obscurity, bringing it back into the hands of home gardeners and bringing with it a renewed appreciation for what a turnip could be. This wasn't just preservation for preservation's sake; Morton's careful work created a variety that performs brilliantly across multiple culinary applications, from fresh slicing to pickling.”