Long White

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Crisp and luminous, Long White winter radish delivers a clean, cool snap with a gently peppery edge that mellows beautifully as the roots mature.

The long, slender white roots hold a smooth, firm texture and stay attractive in the garden, making them as satisfying to grow as they are to savor. Ideal for roasting until tender, grating into bright winter slaws, and pickling for a crisp, tangy bite.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Taproot

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Long White winter radish is all about that luminous, firm crunch with a peppery edge that softens into something almost sweet when heated. It’s built for jobs where texture matters—roasting for tenderness without mush, or grating/pickling so the bite stays crisp instead of turning mealy.

Best Uses

roast until just tender to sweeten the peppery edge and deepen the crunch-to-creaminess transition
grate for winter slaw where it stays crisp under dressing
quick-pickle for a tight, tangy bite that holds structure
slice thin for crisp salads that don’t go rubbery

Flavor Profile

cool, clean radish snap gentle peppery bite that mellows with maturity smooth, firm crunch with minimal pithiness

Kitchen Pairings

butter black pepper lime honey carrots miso

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem commonly affects Raphanus sativus (radish) and how do I control it?

A frequent issue is flea beetle damage, which causes small shot-hole holes in radish leaves and can stunt growth. Use floating row cover from sowing until the plants are established, then remove to allow pollinator access if needed; for heavy pressure, apply an approved insecticidal soap and reapply per label after rain. If you see leaf yellowing and downy/moldy growth, remove badly affected leaves and avoid wetting foliage to reduce spread.

How often should I water Raphanus sativus during the main growing phase?

During bulbing (roughly weeks 3–6), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall and container size. Water lightly but more frequently during hot spells so the soil doesn’t dry out; irregular moisture is a common cause of pithy or woody radishes. Check by feel: the top 1 inch should stay damp, not soggy.

How can I tell when long radish (Raphanus sativus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the roots reach the expected size and feel firm—usually around 55 days from sowing, but check early by gently pulling one plant. The skin should look smooth and the top of the root should be well-formed; if it’s still narrow or soft, give it a few more days. Don’t wait too long, because prolonged time in the ground can lead to tough texture and a stronger, more pungent bite.