Types of Radishes to Grow

Spring radishes are crisp and tender, ideal for salads and eating raw.

Radish varieties include small, crisp spring radishes the size of a marble as well as 20-pound winter radishes. Spring radishes mature quickly from seed and are one of the first vegetables to plant and harvest in the spring. Winter varieties are large root vegetables that go in with the late summer planting. Within both the spring and winter radish groups, there are numerous varieties.

Spring Radishes

Spring radishes have crisp flesh and a mild flavor. Planted from seed early in spring, they mature in 22 to 30 days. Harvest spring radishes when they are firm and crisp. Left in the ground too long, these delicate vegetables develop a woody texture. Stagger planting times over several weeks to get a continued harvest throughout the cool spring weather. Once summer heats up, radish season is over.

Spring Radish Varieties

Spring radish varieties are commonly small and round or oblong in shape. Some with red skin and white flesh include Cherriette, Scarlet Knight, Rebel, Cabernet and Champion. To add a little color to the mix, try Purple Plum, aptly named for its deep purple color; Sparkler, with a mix of red and white on each radish; or Easter Egg, with red, white, pink and purple growing together. White radish varieties include Snowbell, Hailstone and Icicle.

Winter Radishes

Winter radishes are large root vegetables that take 50 to 70 days to mature. Plant winter varieties in mid- to late summer. Make sure to plant the crop so it has enough time to mature before the first hard frosts hit. Winter radishes are suited for storing and using through the winter. In the kitchen, this radish is ideal for soups, stews and roasted vegetable dishes. Winter radishes include Japanese, Chinese and European varieties.

Winter Radish Varieties

Japanese and Chinese winter radish varieties commonly grow to 20 pounds. Daikon is a common name used for Chinese and Japanese radish varieties. Some varieties to try are Chinese Rose, Celestial and Tama Hybrid. Spanish radish varieties, also called Black Spanish Round, Noir Gros Rond d'Hiver or Black Radish, are large and round with dark skin that appears black. Spanish radishes have white flesh and grow about 4 inches round.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Radishes
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Radishes, Chinese, Raphanus Sativus L.; James M. Stephens; March 2009
• Cornell University: Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners