How to Save Turnip Seeds

Wait for the seed pods on your turnip plants to turn brown in color with a dry, crisp feel. This signifies that they're mature.

Choose one seed pod from the middle of the flower stalk --- the pods are arranged vertically on the plant's stalk --- and break it open. The seeds in the pod should be plump and either dark brown or black. If they're not, wait two to three more days and sample another pod.

Collect several seed pods from six or more different turnip plants. Don't pick seed pods from only a couple of plants, as that narrows the genetic pool and the seed gathered from the subsequent plants will become progressively lower in quality.

Lay the pods on either a screen or a cardboard flat and place them in a cool, dry location for one to two weeks. This ensures that the pods have fully dried out and makes the collection of turnip seeds easier.

Crumble the pods into a bucket with your hands.

Winnow the seeds from the chaff. Place an empty bucket on the ground in a windy area. If it's not windy, you can just a standard room fan and direct its stream of air over the top of the empty bucket. Pour the seed-and-chaff contents of the first bucket into the empty bucket. The turnip seeds are heavier and will fall into the bucket while the wind will catch the lighter pieces of seed pod and twigs and blow them away. Repeat as needed until you only have seeds in the bucket.

Fill a regular baking pan with raw rice. Use twice the amount of rice, in volume, compared with the amount of turnip seeds you have. Bake the rice at 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.

Pour the hot rice into a glass jar and seal the jar. Wait for the rice to cool.

Cut the foot off of an old pair of nylon stockings and pour your turnip seeds into the foot. Knot the end so that the seeds can't come out.

Unscrew the jar of rice once the rice has cooled, and drop the stocking into the rice. Seal the jar again and store it for two weeks in a dark room. The rice will absorb any remnant moisture in the seeds and ensure completely dehydrated, dormant turnip seeds.

Remove the turnip seeds from the stocking and empty them into a sealed plastic zip-top bag.

Put the bag in your refrigerator. The turnip seeds will typically stay viable for a couple of years.