VegetableRadish
Watermelon Radish
Winter Radish
Watermelon Radish is a striking Asian heirloom that turns the ordinary radish inside out, wearing a creamy white skin that conceals a shocking magenta interior striped like its namesake. Ready to harvest in about 60 days (though some sources report 50-55 days), these large roots grow to 2-6 inches wide and demand full sun and moderate water to reach their full potential. Slice one open and you'll find crisp, peppery flesh that ranks among the spiciest radishes available, with an earthy complexity that shines raw in salads or fermented into condiments.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy Loam, Fertile
Preferred Temp50-70°F
Growth Stats
6 in
Height
6 in
Width
4 in
Spacing
60–60
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeRoot
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-10
Size
6in H x 6in W
Growth
Annual
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
The reveal is half the magic here: that moment when you cut through the pale exterior to expose vivid magenta flesh is unforgettable. These radishes grow larger and slower than spring varieties, rewarding patient gardeners with roots that can reach 3-4 inches in diameter when given consistent moisture and room to expand. Planted in late summer and harvested around first frost, they store brilliantly through winter, adding color and peppery bite to the cold-season kitchen when fresh vegetables are scarce.
Common Uses
These radishes shine raw in salads where their snappy texture and peppery kick are fully appreciated, and the visual contrast of white flesh and magenta interior makes them a showstopper on plates. Fermentation brings out their crisp character beautifully, transforming them into tangy condiments that pair well with grain bowls and Asian dishes. Their firm texture and bold flavor also make them excellent candidates for pickling and preserving, capturing the season's remaining light in jars.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Not Applicable
First Harvest
Late Fall
Last Harvest
Early Winter
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Sow directly in garden beds in late summer for a fall harvest, planting at the depth specified below and thinning as the seedlings develop.
Harvesting
Harvest watermelon radishes when they've sized up to 2-4 inches in diameter, which typically occurs around 60 days from planting, though timing can range from 50-60 days depending on growing conditions and your source. These are best harvested promptly once they've reached full size to maintain optimal quality and flavor. Plan your harvest around the first frost if storing for winter; this timing captures the season's accumulated light and color in the roots.
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
“Watermelon Radish represents a beautiful thread in Asian vegetable gardening, particularly valued in fall and winter production. These larger radishes grow more deliberately than their spring cousins, a characteristic that gardeners have long appreciated for late-season harvests. The variety gained traction in seed catalogs and among home gardeners as heirloom and specialty breeding created distinctive varieties with striking interior colors, transforming the humble radish into something visually spectacular.”