What hardiness zones is Brassica rapa 'Tokyo Cross' suitable for?

Brassica rapa 'Tokyo Cross' is an annual root vegetable reaching 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) tall (foliage) with a spread of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and an upright habit with a rosette of basal leaves. A Japanese hybrid turnip (Takii Seed Company), it produces smooth, round, pure white roots 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) in diameter with crisp, white flesh. Mild, sweet, juicy flavor—among the mildest turnips, with virtually no bitterness when harvested at 2 inches (5 cm). AAS winner 1969. Days to maturity 35-45 from direct sow—among the fastest root vegetables. Growth rate is very fast. Can be harvested at baby size (1 inch) through full size (6 inches)—flavor remains mild across the size range. Greens also edible.

Native Range

Brassica rapa (turnip group) originated in Central Asia and the Mediterranean. 'Tokyo Cross' was bred by Takii Seed Company, Japan. AAS winner 1969.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—raw slicing, salads, roasting, pickling, soups. Pure white round. Mildest turnip—no bitterness. Baby to full-size harvest. AAS 1969. Takii Japan. Fastest turnip 35-45 days. Edible greens. Not suitable for long storage or summer growing.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Scarlet Queen' by the pure white (versus scarlet-red) skin, the round (versus flattened) shape, and the faster maturity (35-45 versus 40-50 days). Distinguished from daikon (Raphanus sativus) by the round (versus long cylindrical) shape. Tokyo Cross—pure white round, fastest turnip, mildest flavor, AAS 1969, Takii Japan, harvest baby to full size.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'2"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Yellow four-petaled flowers when bolting. Cool-season—spring and fall. Harvest before bolting.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; bolting only

Foliage Description

Medium green; basal rosette; edible

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

35-45 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring or late summer for fall. Loose, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Thin to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm). Consistent moisture. Days to maturity 35-45 from direct sow. Harvest at any size from 1-6 inches—flavor stays mild. Baby turnips at 30 days. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks.