Crimson Giant Radish lives up to its name, producing stunning deep crimson globes that reach 1.5 to 2 inches across while maintaining crisp, white flesh that never turns hollow or pithy. This remarkable variety delivers twice the size of standard radishes with a surprisingly mild, buttery flavor that lacks the harsh bite of smaller varieties. Hardy in zones 3-10, these impressive roots develop in just 20-29 days, making them perfect for succession planting throughout the growing season.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Loose, Fertile Loam
Preferred Temp55-75°F
Growth Stats
12 in
Height
—
Width
2 in
Spacing
20–29
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeRoot Vegetable
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
3-10
Size
12in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
What sets Crimson Giant apart is its ability to grow large without sacrificing quality. While most radishes become woody and hollow as they size up, this variety maintains sparkling white, solid flesh with a rich yet mild flavor and luxurious buttery texture. The beautiful deep crimson exterior contrasts dramatically with the crisp white interior, and each bulb can weigh up to 1.5 ounces, about four times heavier than typical radish varieties. Despite their impressive size, they remain tender and juicy with none of the harsh heat that plagues overgrown radishes.
Common Uses
These substantial radishes excel both fresh and cooked, with their mild flavor and buttery texture making them perfect for eating raw in salads, sliced thin for garnishes, or enjoyed whole as a crisp snack. Their large size makes them ideal for roasting or adding to stir-fries where smaller radishes would disappear. The impressive appearance and mild flavor also make them excellent for introducing children to radishes, as they lack the harsh bite that can put young palates off root vegetables.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Not Applicable
First Harvest
20-30 Days After Planting
Last Harvest
Early Summer
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Not recommended as radish roots are sensitive to transplant disturbance.
Direct Sow
Sow seeds directly 4 to 6 weeks before average last frost date when soil temperature is above 40°F, ideally between 65-85°F. Make successive sowings every 1-2 weeks until late spring, then resume in late summer until 4 weeks before first fall frost.
Harvesting
Harvest roots when they reach 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, typically 20-29 days from sowing, though some sources suggest up to 40 days for maximum size. The radishes are ready when they show their full deep crimson color and feel firm to the touch. Pull gently from the soil, and don't worry about leaving them in the ground a bit longer as this variety stands well without becoming pithy or hollow, unlike smaller radish varieties.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Raphanus L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Raphanus
Duration
Annual
Native Status
L48 (I)AK (I)HI (I)PR (I)CAN (I)GL (I)
History & Origin
“Crimson Giant has been delighting gardeners for over a century, with The Great Northern Seed Company praising its exceptional qualities as early as 1918. They celebrated how this rapid-growing variety developed beautiful deep crimson roots that could reach nearly oval shapes while maintaining their crisp, juicy character. By 1948, Oscar Wills Seed Company was still singing its praises, noting the superior quality and remarkable ability to stand in the garden for extended periods without becoming pithy. This long history of consistent performance has made it a treasured variety among gardeners who appreciate both size and flavor in their radishes.”