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Root vegetables · Lathyrus odoratus

Watermelon Radish

Watermelon Radish is a heirloom root vegetable. Germination takes 4-7 days and fruit ripens from about day 90. Skin runs to white and pale green exterior with bright magenta interior. Water need is 1 inch per week, consistent moisture. Suits zones 2-11. It will crop in a container.

Root vegetables
90days to harvest
4-7days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in late summer for fall harvest, 10-12 weeks before hard frost. Can also plant in early spring.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Deep, loose, well-drained loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-6 inches
Height
3-8 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
White and pale green exterior with bright magenta interior
Size
2"
Shape
Round to slightly oval, turnip-shaped
Flavour
Mild, sweet, and crisp with subtle peppery finish

In the kitchen

Fresh slicing for salads, pickling, roasting, garnishes, adds stunning color to dishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Flea beetles, cabbage root maggots, aphids
Diseases
Clubroot, black rot, white rust
Resistance
Good cold tolerance and slow to bolt

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulySeptember
2——May – JulyAugust – September
3——May – JuneAugust – October
4——April – JuneJuly – October
5——April – MayJuly – November
6——April – MayJuly – November
7——March – MayJune – November
8——March – AprilJune – December
9——February – MarchMay – December
10——January – MarchApril – December
11——January – FebruaryMarch – December
12——January – FebruaryMarch – December
13——January – FebruaryMarch – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 2 to avoid.

CarrotsDifferent root depths prevent competition, carrots help break up soil for radish growth
LettuceShallow roots don't compete, provides ground cover and efficient space utilization
SpinachFast-growing leafy green that can be harvested before radishes need full space
PeasFix nitrogen in soil benefiting radish growth, different growth habits complement each other
ChivesRepel root maggots and other pests that attack radishes
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for flea beetles and aphids that commonly attack radishes
MarigoldsRepel nematodes and other soil pests, deter flea beetles
CucumberRadishes can deter cucumber beetles while cucumbers provide shade for cool-season radishes

Avoid

BrassicasSame family plants compete for nutrients and attract similar pests like flea beetles and clubroot
HyssopInhibits growth of radishes and other root vegetables through allelopathic compounds

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
16
Protein (g)
0.68
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
3.4
Fibre (g)
1.6
Sugars (g)
1.86
Vitamin A (µg)
0
Vitamin C (mg)
14.8
Vitamin E (mg)
0
Vitamin K (µg)
1.3
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.071
Folate (µg)
25
Calcium (mg)
25
Iron (mg)
0.34
Magnesium (mg)
10
Phosphorus (mg)
20
Potassium (mg)
233
Zinc (mg)
0.28
Selenium (µg)
0.6
← PreviousChantenay Red Core Carrot Next →Hakurei Turnip

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the root vegetables growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Similar varieties

Other root vegetables with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Watermelon Radish suits these too.

Browse all 56 root vegetables