Nero Tondo

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Nero Tondo to a garden.

Sink your senses into Nero Tondo’s velvety, inky skin—nearly black with a subtle sheen—over a crisp, snow-bright interior that stays pleasantly firm at 60 days.

The flavor is bold yet balanced, with a gentle peppery snap that mellows beautifully as the root matures, making it a standout winter radish for the home garden. Grow Nero Tondo for striking, globe-round roots that shine in roasts, hearty winter bowls, and bold sauces, or for quick pickling where its crisp bite holds its character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Taproot

Location not set yet

Enter your ZIP for local crop dates

Nero Tondo Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Direct Sow	Jun 1st	Jul 31st – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 24th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 14th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jul 18th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 12th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 7th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jul 3rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 30th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 24th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jun 19th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jun 9th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	May 31st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 22nd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	May 5th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Apr 10th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Nero Tondo’s nearly black skin and crisp, firm core make it a radish you can actually cook without it collapsing—peppery at first, then pleasantly mellow with age. It pickles cleanly and roasts into a sweet-savory bite that plays well with fatty pork, butter, and bright acid.

Best Uses

quick pickling for a clean, snappy crunch
roasting or braising into winter bowls where it stays tender-crisp
thin slicing for tart-sweet radish salads under vinaigrette
muddled or grated into bold, peppery sauces and relishes

Flavor Profile

gentle peppery bite crisp, snow-white interior holds firmness without turning pithy sweet-tinted radish sharpness as it matures

Kitchen Pairings

butter black pepper lemon white vinegar honey pork

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Cabbage worms (often Pieris species) and flea beetles are common on Brassicaceae radishes, causing holes in leaves that can stunt root development. Check plants daily, hand-pick caterpillars, and protect seedlings with row cover until the roots bulk up; for flea beetles, use sticky traps and keep the bed weed-free to reduce habitat. If you see sudden leaf yellowing and wilting, inspect for clubroot symptoms (swollen roots) and remove affected plants—don’t replant brassicas in that spot for several years.

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

During the 2–5 weeks when roots are enlarging (after good leaf growth starts), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for consistent dampness 1–2 inches down. Water deeply about once or twice per week depending on heat, and more often during warm spells, because radishes that dry out then get heavy water can split or turn pithy.

How do I tell when Raphanus sativus (Nero Tondo radish) is ready to harvest?

Harvest around 55–60 days from sowing, or sooner if the radish shoulders are visible at the soil surface and feel firm. Use gentle pressure or pull one sample to confirm size; don’t wait too long because Brassicaceae radishes can become woody or develop a stronger, hotter flavor as they mature. For best tenderness, harvest in cool weather and avoid letting them sit in warm soil after they reach size.