SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Red Meat

Radish
Zone 1a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Red Meat to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Red Meat
50d to harvest

Sink your senses into Red Meat’s dramatic, watermelon-radish allure—crisp flesh that ripens to a vivid, rosy-red core with a clean, bright snap and a gently peppery edge. The exterior forms a smooth, rounded globe in a deep red blush, while the interior reveals a striking ringed pattern that stays firm and juicy through harvest. Grow it for bold, colorful slices that shine in fresh salads, vibrant platters, and quick pickling for a showy, tangy bite.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 50-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 15th
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitTaproot
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)55
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Red Meat in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Red Meat.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 50-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Raphanus sativus (radish), and how can I control it?
Watch for flea beetles, which cause small shot-like holes in radish leaves and can quickly stunt young plants. Use row cover right after sowing (remove only when flowering/necessary), and if damage is already visible, spray with insecticidal soap during cooler parts of the day and keep weeds down to reduce habitat.
How often should I water Raphanus sativus during its main growth period?
Keep the soil consistently moist for the first 2–3 weeks after sowing so roots develop properly; aim for roughly 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water more lightly but more frequently during hot spells to prevent woody roots, and avoid letting the bed dry out completely between waterings.
How do I tell when Raphanus sativus is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the root reaches its expected size and the top shoulder is clearly swollen—typically around 30–50 days depending on conditions (often closer to 45–50 for many types). Pull one test plant early; if the root is still tiny or elongated, give the rest a few more days, but don’t wait too long because over-mature radishes can become pithy and sharp.
Botanical illustration of Red Meat

Sink your senses into Red Meat’s dramatic, watermelon-radish allure—crisp flesh that ripens to a vivid, rosy-red core with a clean, bright snap and a gently peppery edge. The exterior forms a smooth, rounded globe in a deep red blush, while the interior reveals a striking ringed pattern that stays firm and juicy through harvest. Grow it for bold, colorful slices that shine in fresh salads, vibrant platters, and quick pickling for a showy, tangy bite.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Red Meat in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Red Meat.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 50-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 45°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

For best sweet flavor and crunch, sow in cool weather (avoid heat) and keep soil evenly moist so roots don’t get pithy.

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