Name: 'Shunkyo' Chinese radish Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

organic seeds Brassicaceae

Gaia

Raphanus sativus

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameShunkyo Chinese radish

FamilyBrassicaceae

GenusRaphanus

Speciessativus

CultivarShunkyo

Typeorganic seeds

Botanical nameRaphanus sativus

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 50 seeds

'Shunkyo' Chinese radish Seeds (Raphanus sativus). This northern Chinese heirloom produces smooth deep-pink cylindrical roots approximately 4 to 5 inches long. Crisp white flesh combines a peppery bite with remarkably sweet flavour. Tender tops are also edible and can be harvested young. The variety is slow to bolt and can be grown in spring, during sufficiently cool summer conditions, and again in fall. Each Gaia packet contains 50 ecologically grown, open-pollinated seeds. Its fast development, distinctive colour, and edible leaves make it a practical choice for vegetable beds, raised gardens, and repeated small harvests. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked, then repeat small sowings for a staggered harvest. Optional soaking in warm water for no more than 12 hours may speed emergence. Sow 1/2 inch deep, allowing approximately 1 to 4 inches between plants and 8 to 12 inches between rows. Germination generally takes 5 to 7 days near 18°C. For a fall harvest, sow approximately five weeks before the expected first frost. Keep the seedbed evenly moist to develop tender uniform roots, and thin promptly so neighbouring radishes do not become crowded or distorted. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Grow ‘Shunkyo’ radish in sun or partial shade in loose, cool, well-drained soil without stones or fresh manure. Harvest begins at approximately 35 days. Pull roots after they reach their characteristic size while remaining firm; waiting too long can produce hollow or fibrous radishes. Remove tops to slow moisture loss, rinse only before use, and refrigerate roots in a ventilated container. Gaia indicates a possible storage period of three to four weeks at 1 to 2°C and 85 to 90 percent humidity. Young leaves and flowers are also edible and can be added carefully to salads or cooked dishes.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Annual
Hardiness: Cool-season annual; cold tolerance reported down to about 10 °F

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

13 mm (1/2 in)

Spacing / density

2.5 to 10 cm (1 to 4 in) between plants and 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) between rows

Germination temperature

Approximately 18 °C (64.4 °F); optimum approximately 18 °C (64.4 °F).

Germination time

5 to 7 days; optional warm-water soak up to 12 hours

Sowing period

Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked, then every two or three weeks during cool weather. For fall, sow approximately five weeks before the expected first frost.

Propagation

Direct sowing; open-pollinated variety

Growing method

For Shunkyo Chinese radish, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Direct sow 1/2 inch deep in loose soil as soon as it can be worked. A warm-water soak of up to 12 hours is optional. Keep the bed moist until emergence, normally in 5 to 7 days near 18°C. Thin to 1 to 4 inches between plants and allow 8 to 12 inches between rows. Repeat small sowings during cool weather and harvest around 35 days before roots become hollow or fibrous. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Moisture

Consistently cool soil without standing water

Minimum temperature

Tolerates approximately −12°C once established; young seedlings remain more vulnerable

Care level

Easy

Watering

Maintain even moisture from germination through harvest. Water gently at soil level when the surface dries; alternating drought and excess water encourages split or overly pungent roots. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Soil type

Loose, cool, moderately fertile, well-drained, stone-free soil Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before sowing if soil is poor. Avoid fresh manure and excess nitrogen, which favour foliage over roots. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Seasonal care

For Shunkyo Chinese radish, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Soaking in warm water for up to 12H is recommended for improved germination. Direct seed as soon as the soil can be worked. Plant in fall to mature on the first day of frost. 1/2 in Approximately 18°C; optimal near 18°C 5 to 7 days; optional warm-water soak up to 12 hours Harvest when radish stops to hold well in soil. Carrot, Lettuce, Beans, Beet, Cabbage, Kale, Nasturtium, Alliums, Spinach, Squash, Cucumber. The packet contains 50 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

At least 20 cm (8 in) deep and 20 L for several plants

Growing Shunkyo Chinese radish in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. Choose a container at least 8 inches deep with good drainage. Use loose mix, sow 1 to 2 inches apart, and thin promptly. Maintain even moisture and place the pot in sun or partial shade according to heat. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in)

Width / spread

15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in)

Flower color

White to pale pink

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Annual herbaceous tops, tender when young

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Upright leaf rosette above a cylindrical root

Edible parts

Roots, young leaves, flowers, and young seed pods

Bloom period

If left unharvested, a flower stalk carries cross-shaped blooms. Flowers are edible, although flowering generally signals a firmer, less pleasant root. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Fruiting

Deep-pink cylindrical root with crisp white flesh; the plant forms seed pods if allowed to bolt Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Days to maturity

Approximately 35 days

Harvest

Harvest around 35 days when roots are approximately 4 to 5 inches long and remain firm. Loosen soil and pull gently by the tops. Remove leaves to slow moisture loss and refrigerate unwashed roots in a ventilated container. Gaia indicates three to four weeks of storage at 1 to 2°C and 85 to 90 percent humidity. Clean young leaves may also be harvested for salads or cooking.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

No companion pairing guarantees improved yield. Carrots, lettuce, beans, beets, brassicas, alliums, and spinach can share a bed when every crop retains sufficient light, water, and space. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Plants to avoid

No specific enemy plant is scientifically confirmed. Most importantly, avoid shade from squash, melons, or sunflowers and repeated brassica-family crops in the same location, which encourages shared pests and diseases.

Garden use

In the garden, place Shunkyo Chinese radish according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Grow ‘Shunkyo’ in short vegetable-garden rows, between slow crops, or in a raised bed. Repeat sowings every two or three weeks during cool weather. Its quick harvest frees space for the next crop. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For four servings with Shunkyo Chinese radish, harvest about 600 g of firm roots at the recommended stage. Rinse carefully under potable water, brush away soil, remove damaged sections, and peel only if the skin is tough. Cut into even pieces, toss with 30 ml of oil, a small pinch of salt, and pepper, then spread on a clean baking sheet. Roast at 200°C until tender and lightly browned, turning halfway through. Add 15 ml of lemon juice or mild vinegar and a few fresh herbs before serving. Cooking time varies with the size and density of the roots, so test with the tip of a knife. Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container within two hours and use them promptly. Serve promptly to preserve the texture and aromas that distinguish this harvest. Taste before adding more salt so the variety’s own character remains at the centre of the dish. Use a clean board and utensils, then refrigerate promptly any portion that will not be served immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Shunkyo' Chinese radish seeds are in the packet?

For Shunkyo Chinese radish, the packet information states: Approximately 50 seeds. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Shunkyo' Chinese radish seeds in Canada?

For Shunkyo Chinese radish, the stated sowing period is the detailed directions in the product record. The recommended method is Direct sowing; open-pollinated variety, at a depth of 13 mm (1/2 in). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Shunkyo' Chinese radish seeds take to germinate?

For Shunkyo Chinese radish, the stated germination period is 5 to 7 days; optional warm-water soak up to 12 hours, with a germination temperature of Approximately 18°C; optimal near 18°C. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Shunkyo' Chinese radish in the garden?

For Shunkyo Chinese radish, the recommended exposure is Full sun to partial shade. The stated spacing guideline is the detailed directions in the product record. For container growing, the product record recommends: At least 20 cm (8 in) deep and 20 L for several plants. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Match the site to the plant's verified light, soil and spacing requirements.

When and how should I harvest 'Shunkyo' Chinese radish?

For Shunkyo Chinese radish, the confirmed edible parts are: Roots, young leaves, flowers, and young seed pods. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.