Sango

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Sango Watermelon Radish brings a vivid, show-stopping slice of color to the garden—crisp, juicy flesh with a gentle, peppery snap and a clean, refreshing finish.

At maturity, the roots develop a bold rind and a luminous interior that stays tender rather than pithy, making it a standout for fresh displays and vibrant preparations. Grow Sango for a 50-day harvest that feels like edible art: crisp texture, bright character, and instant garden-to-plate appeal.

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)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Sango’s watermelon interior stays tender and glass-crisp, with a peppery snap that reads more refreshing than scorching. Slice it thin and cold, treat it gently, and let lemon/lime plus a little salt and vinegar make that luminous interior pop without dulling the crunch.

Best Uses

ice-cold radish slicing for crunchy platters (the color stays vivid and crisp)
quick-pickles where the slices keep their snap and don’t go pithy
thin rounds in a citrusy salad to cut richness without tasting hot
lightly dressed radish-and-butter on warm bread for a peppery crunch

Flavor Profile

crisp, juicy snap gentle peppery bite luminous, mildly sweet interior clean, refreshing finish bold rind with tender flesh

Kitchen Pairings

kosher salt fresh lime or lemon rice vinegar butter or cultured butter cotija cheese grilled chicken or pork

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease or pest problem for Raphanus sativus (radish), and how do I treat it at home?

Radish commonly suffers from flea beetles (small, jumping holes in leaves) and from downy mildew in cool, wet weather. To control flea beetles, cover seedlings with row cover until plants are established and keep the bed weed-free; you can also spray insecticidal soap in the late afternoon and repeat every 5–7 days as needed. For downy mildew, avoid overhead watering, improve airflow by thinning to the recommended spacing, and remove badly affected leaves early so the disease doesn’t spread.

How often should I water Raphanus sativus during the main growing phase to get crisp roots?

During active root bulking (roughly weeks 2–6), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week split into smaller waterings if it’s hot or windy. Let the top 1/2 inch (1–1.5 cm) dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot, then water thoroughly to reach the radish root zone. Inconsistent moisture can lead to pithy, woody roots and faster bolting.

How can I tell when Raphanus sativus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the radish roots reach the expected size for your planting—most commonly around 50 days after sowing. Use a gentle “peek” at the soil line to check the root diameter; if it feels small or tough, give it a few more days. Don’t wait too long, because radishes can become woody and spicy and may start to bolt.