Scarlet Fall

Family: Brassicaceae Root Vegetable

Sink your senses into Scarlet Fall’s dramatic, watermelon-radish beauty—crisp flesh that bursts with a vivid, jewel-toned contrast and a clean, peppery snap.

The roots mature to an impressive size with a smooth, glossy exterior in rich scarlet, transitioning to a softly blushed interior that stays pleasantly firm and juicy. Grow it for standout fresh slices, bold roasts, and striking garnishes—its color makes every platter feel like a seasonal celebration.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 65 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 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
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

Scarlet Fall is a watermelon-radish type that slices like candy—crisp, juicy, and aggressively peppery at first bite, then mellowing into a sweet, cool finish. Use it where crunch matters (shaved or pickled) or heat just enough to lacquer the outside without turning the interior mealy.

Best Uses

thin shaved ribbons for crunchy tartines and salads
quick pickles/brines where the color holds and the bite stays lively
roasting or pan-searing for caramelized edges while keeping the interior snappy
showy garnishes: batons and half-moons on hot bowls or steak plates

Flavor Profile

clean peppery snap crisp, juicy flesh with a watermelon-sweet edge mildly earthy brassica bite stays firm with a glassy crunch when sliced

Kitchen Pairings

salted butter fresh dill yogurt lime juice goat cheese chili flakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease or pest on Raphanus sativus (watermelon radish type), and how do I fix it fast?

Watch for flea beetles on radish leaves—they cause small shot-hole damage and can stunt young plants in warm weather. Use row cover over seedlings until flowering, and then apply insecticidal soap directly on the foliage at first sign of damage. If you see leaf spots or rotting roots, thin to improve airflow and water at the soil line to keep leaves dry.

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

Keep the top 2–3 inches of soil consistently evenly moist from germination through bulbing so the roots form quickly and don’t get woody or pithy. In typical home gardens, this usually means watering about 1 inch per week total, split into 2–3 waterings during hot or dry spells. Avoid letting the soil swing between very dry and waterlogged, which increases cracking and poor texture.

How can I tell when my Raphanus sativus is ready to harvest (around 65 days)?

Harvest when the root shoulders are well-developed and have reached the size listed for your packet, typically around 60–65 days from sowing. Check early by gently pulling one plant—roots should feel firm and smooth, not elongated and tough. Don’t wait too long past maturity, or the roots can become fibrous and strong-flavored.