Organic 'Long Scarlet Cincinnati' radish
Organic 'Long Scarlet Cincinnati' radish (Raphanus sativus) from seed producer Gaia, an elongated red radish with a tender crunch and peppery sweetness
The 'Long Scarlet Cincinnati' radish is distinguished by its slender, bright red roots that grow in a spindle shape to nearly 17 centimeters. Beneath the thin skin lies a dense, white, slightly watery flesh with a delicate crispness and a mild, earthy, and subtly peppery flavor. An heirloom variety dating back to the 1800s, it offers a particularly pleasing texture and a more nuanced taste than conventional radishes. Its rapid and consistent growth makes it a preferred choice for successive crops from spring to autumn, especially in cool, loose soils where it develops its elegant, elongated shape.
This radish is equally enjoyable young and juicy, picked early for a pronounced sweetness, or at full maturity for a more expressive flavor. It brings a classic touch to traditional vegetable gardens, while retaining a sought-after delicate taste, perfect for salads, preserves, or crisp vegetable platters.
Companion plants : Carrot, Lettuce, Bean, Beetroot, Cabbage, Kale, Nasturtium, Alliums, Spinach, Squash, Cucumber
Nefarious plants : Melon, Turnip, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Potato, Hyssop
Spread/Carry : Elongated rosette
Plant height : 20 to 25 cm
Quantity per packet : 100 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Long, heritage root, sweet and peppery flavor, dense, crisp flesh, rapid maturation, cold-tolerant
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Crunchy, sweet, slightly peppery
Cold tolerance : Down to -7°C
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors as soon as the ground is workable, at a depth of about 1 cm in loose, cool, and well-drained soil. The seeds can be soaked for up to twelve hours to encourage rapid germination, which usually occurs in five to seven days at 18°C. Space the plants 3 to 5 cm apart and the rows 20 to 30 cm apart to allow the roots to develop freely. Autumn sowing is possible so that the roots reach maturity around the first frost, at which time their texture becomes particularly appealing.
Radishes prefer full sun or partial shade (level 2) and regular watering (level 2), which are essential for maintaining tender flesh and preventing bitterness. Keeping the soil consistently moist promotes rapid and even growth.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the roots reach their maximum length and are slightly protruding from the soil, a sign that they are ready. For a milder flavor, choose young harvests. Cut off the tops immediately after picking to prolong freshness. Store the roots at 1 to 2°C with 85 to 90% humidity in well-ventilated containers, where they will keep for three to four weeks.
Usage ideas
• Thinly sliced in salads for a soft and juicy crunch
• Served raw with a pinch of salt or flavored butter
• Grated into mixed bowls or spring rolls
• Quickly pickled to reveal its peppery sweetness
• Ideal for light cooking to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture
The 'Long Scarlet Cincinnati' radish embodies a rare horticultural heritage, combining a delicate texture, aromatic sweetness, and visual elegance. A robust companion for cool-season crops, it brings a touch of heritage and flavor to vegetable gardens that appreciate the charm of heirloom varieties.
