Early Scarlet Globe radish has been a garden favorite since 1888, earning its place through reliable performance and classic appeal. These bright red spheres with crisp, mild white flesh mature in just 22 days, making them perfect for impatient gardeners and succession planting. Hardy in zones 3-10, they tolerate both light frosts and warm weather better than most radish varieties, sprouting quickly in cool spring soil.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Loose, Fertile Loam
Preferred Temp50-75°F
Growth Stats
12 in
Height
—
Width
2 in
Spacing
22–22
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-10
Size
12in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
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Highlights
What sets Early Scarlet Globe apart is its remarkable adaptability and speed. While most radishes struggle in warm weather, this variety maintains its mild flavor and crisp texture even as temperatures rise. The classic round shape and vibrant red skin make these radishes as beautiful as they are delicious, ready to harvest in just over three weeks. Their consistent performance and sweet, never-bitter flesh explain why gardeners have been growing this variety for over 135 years.
Common Uses
Early Scarlet Globe radishes shine as fresh eating vegetables, perfect for snacking with just a sprinkle of salt or adding satisfying crunch to salads and sandwiches. Their mild, sweet flavor makes them ideal for introducing children to radishes, while their beautiful appearance adds visual appeal to vegetable platters. Some gardeners enjoy them roasted, which mellows their bite and brings out natural sweetness.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Not Applicable
First Harvest
Early Spring (Approximately 25-30 Days After Sowing)
Last Harvest
Late Spring
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in early spring, about 4 weeks before the last frost date. Plant multiple small successions every week or two for continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Harvesting
Harvest Early Scarlet Globe radishes approximately 22 days after planting, though some sources suggest they may take up to 29 days depending on growing conditions. Check for the classic 1-inch diameter by examining the tops of the roots where they emerge from the soil. Harvest by gently pulling the entire plant when roots reach proper size, as leaving them too long results in woody, overly pungent radishes.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
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
“Early Scarlet Globe radish has been delighting gardeners since 1888, representing over a century of reliable garden performance. This heirloom variety emerged during the late Victorian era when home gardens were essential for family sustenance, and its enduring popularity speaks to its exceptional qualities. The variety survived through changing agricultural trends and modern hybridization because gardeners recognized something special in its combination of speed, flavor, and adaptability.”