Red King

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Sink your senses into Red King’s crisp, peppery snap—an eye-catching winter radish with a rich, rosy-red skin that promises bold flavor from the first bite.

At maturity, the roots develop a firm, smooth texture and a bright, clean interior that shines in winter salads and quick pickles, as well as hearty roasts and savory braises. Grow it for a dependable 50-day harvest that delivers striking color and lively bite when the garden is otherwise quiet.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 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 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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

Red King holds onto its crunch and rosy color while still playing nice with heat—so you can move from sharp, raw slices to oven-softened wedges without it turning mealy. Expect a pepper-forward bite that loves acid, mustard, and fat to round the edges.

Best Uses

winter salad slices dressed with acid to wake up the bite
quick pickles where the rosy skin tints the brine
pan-roasting or braising to soften the pepper into something savory
roasted radish wedges finished with butter and salt

Flavor Profile

sharp peppery bite crisp, juicy snap mildly earthy finish firm flesh that stays intact under heat

Kitchen Pairings

citrus vinaigrette mustard (Dijon or whole-grain) butter or brown butter sheep’s milk feta honey smoked salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew or downy mildew on Raphanus sativus (radish) during warm, humid weather?

Brassicas like Raphanus sativus often get mildew when leaves stay wet or air circulation is poor. Remove badly infected leaves, thin so plants aren’t touching, and water at soil level in the morning to keep foliage dry. If mildew keeps spreading, spray an approved sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product according to the label and repeat as directed (avoid spraying in heat to prevent leaf burn).

What watering schedule and soil moisture level should I keep for red radish to grow well through the main growing phase?

During the main growth window, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy—radishes need steady moisture to avoid woody roots. Water deeply when the surface starts to dry (often every 1–3 days in warm weather), and avoid letting soil dry out completely between waterings. Consistent moisture helps prevent splitting and keeps the flesh crisp rather than pithy.

When is Raphanus sativus (red radish) ready to harvest, and how can I tell?

Start checking around day 35, but most varieties will be ready close to 50 days. Harvest when the radish shoulders are clearly visible at the soil surface and the roots feel firm and reach the expected size for “red radish” in your bed. Don’t wait too long after they size up—overmature radishes can become hollow, hot, or woody quickly.