I have heard of rape before but wasn't aware it was used for anything beside oil. If you plant it, are you able. To find nonGMO seeds for it or am I confusing it with canola?

I hated parsnips as a child as well but now I love them roasted with other root crops. I'm sure you didn't like it when your dad said that to you, but oh so true!

And I never thought I would like turnips, but same thing, love em roasted! Now kale, bleckkkkkk! I just cannot eat it except in the potato sausage soup at Olive Garden. Wish I could because I know it is good for you.

Okay, so I'm putting together my seed orders for 2014 and I do want to try Round Red turnip. Found it at Fedco and was going to get $4.00 worth until I see the $5.00 handling charge for orders under $30. I just cannot justify that.

I found the Willet's Wonder at Victory Seeds but I'm almost afraid to find out how much for shipping and/or if there's a handling charge for small orders.

Guess I'll keep looking.

Found Round Red at Baker Creek and ordered them!

Turnips and rutabagas both are something I only tried to grow for the first time last year. Turned out pretty good though so I will be planting them again in the spring.

This is a very well written article full of great information.

Abhege. The local feed and seed stores carry Willet Wonder here, so check a couple of your local feed and seeds. Supposedly originated in Georgia. They also sell rape seeds. More folks use it for deer plantings than as an edible I am afraid.

Oh, great idea! We have a great local feed and seed store here in Newnan!

How do you eat rape? As a salad green or stir fried, steamed?

Howdy, Dill...
Long time, no see. Great to see you. And great article! Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge and input.

I've grown quite a few of the plants/crops you've mentioned and like them all. Have never grown Willet's though so may have to give it a try.

Abhege, rape is usually grown as a green, often mixed with other greens. Oftentimes a "Southern patch of greens" will consists of a mix of turnips, kale, rape, mustard all sown broadcast-style in a wide row/bed. It sure makes for some good eats!

As for suppliers, Wyatt-Quarles sells quite a few of these recommendations so any garden center that sells W-Quarles stock may have what you are looking for.

Shoe

Shoe, thanks for the info. Since I already grow the other greens you mentioned I'll just add rape if I can find the seeds. If we don't eat it, the chickens will!

Well, I"m sure I can get it here locally if you can't find any. Wouldn't take much to send you a good-sized spoonful to get you going. Just say the word.

Shoe

Baker Creek should thank you for the advert. Based on this I just went and ordered that beautiful turnip, too.

Shoe, thanks for the offer! I'll keep you posted on whether I need to take you up on it!