Spanish Black
70d to harvest
Sink your senses into Spanish Black’s velvety, ink-dark roots—deep as polished slate—set beneath a crown of crisp green leaves. The flesh is clean and bright, with a refreshing bite that turns mellow and sweet when roasted, and stays lively for fresh slicing. Grow Spanish Black for bold flavor in root-forward dishes, for roasting trays, and for striking pickles that showcase its dramatic color from garden to jar.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Direct Sow |
| Last Frost | May 15th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | May 15th |
| Harvest Begins | Jul 24th |
| Harvest Ends | Sep 24th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 70 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Rosette |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 45 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 40 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 28 |
| Harden Off (days) | Not Required |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Spanish Black radish during active root growth to prevent cracking or pithiness?
During the main growth period (roughly weeks 3–8), keep soil consistently evenly moist, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Water deeply after the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) dries, rather than frequent light sprinkling, to encourage steady root thickening. Uneven watering—especially swings from dry to wet—commonly leads to splitting or hollow/pithy roots.
When is Spanish Black radish (Raphanus sativus) ready to harvest, and how can I confirm it?
Harvest at about 70 days from sowing (often a bit earlier if roots size up sooner), when the roots are firm and reach the typical mature size for your seed packet. Lift one plant to check: the skin should be fully colored (black outside) with a crisp, firm interior when you cut it. If roots are left too long, they can become woody or develop a stronger bite.