Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners

Reviewed on 01/16/2007 by California Olive - An experienced gardener
Overall Taste Yield Ease	California, United States Frost Free Season: More than 203 days Soil Texture: Clay Garden Size: Large - More than 1,600 square feet (40' x 40') Sun Exposure: More than 8 hours per day
This variety is very different from other turnips, and I suspect that it is a hybrid between turnips and some other plant in the cabbage family, sort of like rutabagas. The plant is vigorous and fast-growning, though roots remain quite small at first in relationship to the big, thick-stemmed tops. The roots taper to a point until they get some size. This is not a turnip to pick too early (unless for greens), as the roots seem to be mostly skin at first. Maturity date is given as 70 days (longer than the Purple Top types, shorter than most rutabagas), and by that time, the turnips can get very large. However, they remain tender, sweet and juicy - almost as good as the earlier 'salad turnips' like Hakurei, Oasis and White Lady. In comparison with other turnips, 'Just Right' is pretty ugly when you pick it. You may need to loosen the soil with a shovel before pulling the roots, as many feeder roots hang off the turnip itself - not just off the taproot. As advertised, I think this turnip is best as a big fall and winter vegetable. Compared to other turnips, the skin is very thick, though not tough. Like the earlier "Salad Turnips" named above, the large, vigorous greens of 'Just Right' are mild, sweet and hairless, and are good when cooked briefly (remove the tough midrib). The greens are too chewy for salads when the turnips are mature. The many virtues of this variety outweigh its clunky appearance, and it is an excellent choice for a fall crop for home gardeners. It is perfect for those who prefer to eat turnip roots raw and who want copious turnip greens without the strong flavor of traditional turnip greens.