Organic 'Purple Plum' radish
Organic 'Purple Plum' radish (Raphanus sativus) from Gaia seed company, a small, vibrant purple radish with a juicy and lingering sweetness
The 'Purple Plum' radish boasts small, round roots draped in a deep purple that immediately catches the eye. Beneath this colorful skin lies a crisp, juicy white flesh with a delicate sweetness that lasts throughout the season. This heirloom variety is resistant to cracking and grows quickly, producing uniform, consistent radishes in light, cool soils. Its tender texture and bright flavor make it a popular choice for successive sowings from spring to autumn, particularly in vegetable gardens where a splash of vibrant color and a mild yet expressive taste are desired.
Easy to grow, it adapts well to young harvests for a tender crispness or to slightly longer ripening for increased aromatic intensity. It is equally suited to crisp salads, crudité platters, or quick preserves where its purple hue creates a lovely contrast.
Companion plants : Carrot, Lettuce, Bean, Beetroot, Cabbage, Kale, Nasturtium, Alliums, Spinach, Squash, Cucumber
Nefarious plants : Melon, Turnip, Pumpkin, Sunflower, Potato, Hyssop
Spread/Carry : Compact rosette
Plant height : 15 to 20 cm
Quantity per packet : 100 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Round purple root, sweet and juicy flavor, resistance to cracking, rapid growth
Leaf color : Medium green
Texture/flavor : Crunchy, soft, and slightly sweet
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. Soaking the seeds for up to twelve hours can promote rapid germination, usually in five to seven days at temperatures between 4 and 29°C, with an optimum around 18°C. Space plants 3 to 5 cm apart and rows 20 to 30 cm apart to ensure even growth of the round roots. Autumn sowing will yield a sweet and crisp harvest around the time of the first frost.
Provide full sun or partial sun (level 2) and regular watering (level 2) to ensure tender flesh and prevent bolting. Keeping the soil consistently moist promotes juicy texture and vibrant color.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the radishes reach their maximum diameter and are slightly raised above the soil, a sign of maturity. Picked young, they offer a distinct sweetness and great juiciness. Cutting off the tops immediately after harvesting allows for better preservation. Store 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
• Eaten raw to appreciate their sweetness and juicy crunch
• Sliced in salads for a touch of bright color
• In quick pickles where their purple color becomes even more intense
• In composed bowls or sandwiches for a visual and taste contrast
• Lightly roasted for a sweet and melt-in-your-mouth flavor
The 'Purple Plum' radish brings vibrant color and lasting sweetness to cool-season crops. A versatile heirloom variety, it combines ease of cultivation, natural resistance, and delicious flavor in a format that is both charming and abundant.
