Contents
Description
Brassica Rapa Sweet Bell is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is commonly known as a turnip. It is a biennial plant that is grown as an annual for its edible roots and leaves. The plant has a thick, fleshy root that is spherical or cylindrical in shape and is white or light green in color. The leaves are also edible and are dark green in color with a smooth texture. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the second year.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Brassica |
Appearance
The Brassica Rapa Sweet Bell plant grows up to 12 inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches wide. The leaves are dark green in color, smooth, and have a slightly wavy edge. The root is spherical or cylindrical in shape and is white or light green in color. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the second year. The seeds of the plant are small and brown in color.
Care Guide
To care for Brassica Rapa Sweet Bell, the plant requires regular watering and fertilization. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Brassica Rapa Sweet Bell plant is prone to aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. It is also susceptible to diseases such as clubroot, black rot, and downy mildew.
Habitat
The Brassica Rapa Sweet Bell plant is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly grown in gardens and farms around the world. It prefers cooler climates and is commonly grown in the spring and fall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the leaves of the Brassica Rapa Sweet Bell plant be eaten?
A: Yes, the leaves of the plant are edible and can be used in salads and other dishes.
Q: How long does it take for the plant to produce edible roots?
A: The plant will produce edible roots in about 60-90 days from planting.
Q: Can the Brassica Rapa Sweet Bell plant tolerate frost?
A: Yes, the plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-10 and can tolerate frost.
Q: What type of soil does the plant prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Related Plants
- Brassica Rapa
- Brassica Oleracea
- Brassica Napus
- Brassica Juncea
References
- “Brassica rapa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=260326.
- “Brassica rapa (Fast Growing Greens).” Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, www.rareseeds.com/collections/brassica-rapa-fast-growing-greens.
- “Brassica rapa.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:278600-1.
