China Rose

Radish

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Taproot

Sink your senses into China Rose’s striking, rose-blushed roots—crisp, juicy flesh with a clean, gently peppery bite that lingers…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 9th
Harvest Begins	Apr 5th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Raphanus sativus (China Rose/radish), and what should I do?

Watch for flea beetles, which chew small holes in radish leaves and can stunt young plants. Use floating row cover immediately after sowing, and if needed apply an insecticidal soap early in the day for light infestations; keep weeds down to reduce habitat. Also prevent downy mildew and other leaf diseases by spacing plants for airflow and watering at the soil line rather than wetting foliage.

How often should I water Raphanus sativus during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level do they need?

During the bulbing/growing phase (roughly weeks 2–6), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for top few inches to never fully dry out. Water about 1 inch per week in total (more during hot, windy spells), split into 1–2 sessions so moisture penetrates rather than runs off. Fluctuating moisture can lead to woody, pithy roots and poor flavor.

How can I tell when China Rose (Raphanus sativus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest around 55 days from sowing, or sooner if roots reach the size you want. The tops will look more developed, and you should see the shoulder of the root just above the soil surface; gently pull one to check texture—good roots snap and feel firm, not soft or spongy. Don’t leave radishes in the ground too long after they size up, or they can become stronger-flavored and more likely to turn woody.

Sink your senses into China Rose’s striking, rose-blushed roots—crisp, juicy flesh with a clean, gently peppery bite that lingers like fresh-cut radish on the palate. At maturity, the winter radish forms an elegant, tapered shape that holds its snap through cool weather, making it a standout for bold flavor in salads and bright garnishes. Grow it for fresh eating, quick pickling, and roasted root dishes where its rosy color and refreshing crunch bring instant garden-to-plate appeal.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For winter radish, prioritize steady moisture and cool growth—avoid letting roots get stressed or they’ll turn woody or hollow.