What Is Wrong With Turnip Plants That Are a Pale Green Color?

Growing Conditions

• Providing adequate growing conditions from the start is the best way to raise a problem-free crop of turnips. Troubleshooting after a problem appears can take time to correct, and slow or stunt the growth of the plant. Turnips are a cool-season crop, usually grown in spring a fall in mild temperatures. They are grown in full sun or part shade, in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Loose soil and consistent moisture are essential for healthy root development.

Pale Leaves

• The color of turnip leaves varies from bright to dark green depending on the variety being grown. However, if leaves begin to lose color or fade towards yellow, this may be a sign of a nitrogen deficiency. This can be corrected by applying either a complete fertilizer or a source of nitrogen soil amendment. Common nitrogen amendments include animal manure, blood meal and fish meal. Using a complete fertilizer before planting usually provides sufficient nutrients for growing a crop of turnips.

Greening "Shoulders"

• The tops of turnip roots, or their "shoulders" many turn green when they are exposed to sun. The plant begins to produce chlorophyll, just like leaves do, turning the exposed part of the plant green. To avoid this greening, the shoulders should be kept covered with soil at all times. As they grow, turnips rise slightly up out of the soil, so it may be necessary to pile soil or compost up around the roots as they become exposed.

Eating Discolored Turnips

• Turnips that have developed pale green leaves or roots are not necessarily destined for the compost bin. Pale greens are perfectly fine to eat, though their flavor may be different. The green spots on the root, like those on potatoes, can cause stomach upset or allergic reactions and should not be eaten. Roots that have greened should be trimmed to remove the spots, after which they are edible and their flavor should not be affected.