Purple Plum
28d to harvest
Sweetly peppery and vividly crisp, Purple Plum radish brings a jewel-toned crunch to the garden—its skin is a deep plum-purple that fades to a clean, tender white at the tip. At just 28 days, roots stay pleasantly slender and snappy, delivering a fresh, juicy bite that shines in salad mixes and bright garnishes. Grow a small stand for quick harvests and enjoy the striking color that makes every platter look freshly picked.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Direct Sow |
| Last Frost | Apr 1st |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Apr 1st |
| Harvest Begins | Apr 29th |
| Harvest Ends | Nov 5th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 28 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Taproot |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 55 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 45 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 28 |
| Harden Off (days) | Not Required |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I manage common pests or diseases on Raphanus sativus (purple plum radish) in my garden?
Watch for flea beetles, which can leave small shot-holes in radish leaves and reduce root growth—use floating row cover from sowing until harvest and handpick heavily damaged plants. If you see pale, stippled leaves or silvery scarring, target thrips with insecticidal soap, applied in the cool morning, and remove badly infested leaves. For disease, avoid wet foliage and rotate beds, since overcrowded, damp conditions increase the risk of downy mildew and other leaf spotting that can affect yield.
How often should I water purple plum radish during the main growing phase?
Water so the soil stays evenly moist to a depth of about 6 inches, especially from germination through root bulking (roughly the first 2–4 weeks). In most home gardens this means about 1 inch per week total, split into 1–2 waterings, but adjust to weather so the top inch of soil never dries out completely. If the soil swings between dry and soggy, radishes are more likely to become pithy or overly hot.