Rudolf

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Crisp as fresh-cut glass, Rudolf radishes arrive in just 25 days with a clean, bright bite and a delicately sweet finish.

Their smooth, satiny skins glow in a vivid scarlet-red over a slender white tip, while the flesh stays tender-crunchy—ideal for quick, vibrant salads and garnish-worthy platters. Grow Rudolf for a fast, eye-catching harvest that turns every bowl into a rosy, refreshing moment.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 25 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	May 20th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	25
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

Rudolf’s speed and tight, tender-crunch make it a radish for people who hate soggy roots—slice it thin and let the bite stay intact. Its sweet finish plays especially well with creamy dairy and sharp citrus, so you can build contrast without muting the flavor.

Best Uses

thin slices on buttered bread with flaky salt (no soaking—keep the snap)
tossed salad greens with acidic vinaigrette for a pop of color and crunch
micro-sliced garnish on tacos, ramen, or grain bowls
quick-pickled rounds for a fast tang without losing texture

Flavor Profile

clean, bright radish bite snap-to-juice crunch with tender flesh delicately sweet finish light peppery crucifer warmth

Kitchen Pairings

butter feta lemon fresh dill black pepper Greek yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Watch for flea beetles, which chew small holes in radish leaves and can stunt fast-growing seedlings. Cover newly sown beds with a lightweight row cover until plants are established, and keep the soil consistently slightly moist (drought makes plants harder to recover). If you see powdery mildew-like spotting, remove heavily affected leaves promptly and avoid wetting foliage—radishes are quick, so improving airflow and hygiene helps before harvest.

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

Water to keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist from sowing through bulbing, usually about 1 inch per week total in warm weather, split into 2–3 waterings. If the soil dries then suddenly gets wet, radishes are more likely to turn woody or split—aim for steady moisture. Check by feel: the soil should crumble slightly, not stay soggy.

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

Start checking at about 20–25 days after sowing, because radishes become pithy if left too long. Harvest when the roots are fully sized and feel firm when gently pulled or pressed near the soil line, with the tops still green and healthy. If the roots look elongated or the bulbs are hard to develop, pull promptly and harvest a little earlier next time for a better texture.