Watermelon Radish

Watermelon Radish has a creamy-white exterior and a bright pink interior that resembles a watermelon. Also known as "red meat" radish, this variety has Chinese origins. Watermelon Radish produces larger roots and is ideally harvested at around 3.5-4" in diameter. The flavor is crisp and less spicy than traditional radish varieties. The colorful interior will intensify when grown in conditions where days are warm, nights are cool and soil is fertile. Although it can be grown in spring, it will perform best in fall when temperatures are trending toward cooler days.

Radishes perform best when direct seeded with a walk-behind planter like our Hoss Garden Seeder. We recommend using a modified #1 plate or #2 plate with holes drilled to the appropriate size for the seed being used. Seed size can vary from one variety to the next, so seed plate hole size should always be calibrated to fit the seed being used. Radishes perform well when planted on double rows or on a "bed" with several rows planted closely together. This allows for maximization of garden space and the tops will help to shade any new weed development between closely planted rows.

Radishes grow best in cooler weather and should be planted in early spring or fall when temperatures have cooled. They prefer well-drained soil and will tend to split if soil conditions remain saturated for long periods of time. Radishes should be harvested at the ideal size for each variety. If allowed to get too large, they will become pithy and not as palatable. Once harvested, tops should be removed for optimal storage. Radishes with tops removed will store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Watermelon Radish Planting Information

Planting Method: direct seed

When to Plant: early spring and fall

Planting Depth: 1/4"

Seed Spacing: 4"

Row Spacing: 6-12"

Days to Maturity: 50

Disease Resistance: None