Name: Organic 'Watermelon' radish
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Whole and sliced organic Watermelon radishes on a light surface, showing round roots with white-green skin and vivid pink flesh edged in white. Fresh green leaves and a clean cut illustrate the firm, crisp, decorative texture sought at autumn harvest, when colour and flavour are fully developed. For best results with recognizing Watermelon radish, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation.

Organic heirloom open-pollinated Chinese winter radish Brassicaceae

Organic radish seeds

Biologiquement vôtre

Raphanus sativus

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameWatermelon radish, Red Meat, Roseheart

FamilyBrassicaceae

GenusRaphanus

Speciessativus

CultivarWatermelon

TypeOrganic heirloom open-pollinated Chinese winter radish

Botanical nameRaphanus sativus

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 200 seeds

Organic 'Watermelon' radish (Raphanus sativus), also called Red Meat, Roseheart, or Shinrimei, is a Chinese heirloom winter radish. Its round daikon-type root has white to greenish skin and a striking dark-pink centre edged in white. Firm crisp flesh is milder than many small radishes with a lightly peppery note. Each selection contains approximately 200 organic seeds from an heirloom open-pollinated variety. Foliage generally reaches 15–30 cm. Cool-weather growth supports firm flesh, vivid colour, and balanced flavour in the developing root. Harvesting at the proper stage preserves crisp texture and reduces the risk of pithy roots.

Direct sow July through September for autumn harvest because spring sowings tend to bolt as days lengthen and heat arrives. Place seed approximately 1 cm deep in light loose stone-free well-drained soil. Maintain 10–20°C and even moisture; emergence normally takes 4–10 days. Thin to approximately 5–10 cm so round roots can size up. Full sun suits cool weather while light partial shade may reduce stress during lingering late-summer heat. A timely first test harvest reveals colour development before the remaining roots become oversized. Steady moisture and early thinning help each root form evenly without crowding.

Begin harvesting near 50–60 days after sowing; maturity is generally near 60 days. Gently uncover the root shoulder to assess diameter, then lift a sample. Do not wait until roots become pithy, split, or excessively pungent. Remove tops and refrigerate firm roots separately. Thin slices colour salads and crudité platters; roots may also be pickled, roasted, or stir-fried. Exact size, yield, and maximum storage life for this harvest are not guaranteed. Cool-weather picking helps the flesh retain its clean crunch and attractive internal pattern. A test harvest confirms root size before the remainder of the row is lifted.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 1 cm (⅜ to ½ in)

Spacing / density

Approximately 5 to 10 cm between plants and 25 to 30 cm between rows

Germination temperature

10 to 20 °C (50 to 68 °F)

Germination time

Approximately 4 to 10 days

Sowing period

July through September by direct sowing Adjust these dates to your local frost dates and soil conditions; Canadian growing seasons vary by region.

Propagation

Direct sowing

Growing method

Growing 'Watermelon' watermelon from seed. Direct sow July through September approximately 1 cm deep in fine loose soil. Maintain 10–20°C and even moisture until emergence in 4–10 days. Thin early to 5–10 cm by clipping excess seedlings rather than disturbing retained roots. Weed shallowly, water at soil level, and protect from flea beetles if needed. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Begin inspecting shoulders near 50 days and harvest around 60 days before roots become pithy or split. Choose an open site and loosen soil before sowing. Gently firm the surface after covering seed, then use a fine-rose watering can to avoid displacement. After emergence, cut excess seedlings at soil level. Insect netting installed immediately and sealed along the edges reduces flea-beetle damage, provided no infested Brassicaceae remain underneath. Lift it for weeding and moisture checks. Avoid sowing too early during long hot days that encourage bolting. Harvest one sample before lifting the entire row. For best results with direct sowing, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During direct sowing, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust direct sowing to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 7.0

Moisture

'Watermelon' radish: Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence without allowing a dry surface crust to form. Afterward, maintain cool soil without saturation. A very light mulch applied after thinning slows evaporation. Water at soil level in the morning so foliage dries quickly, and increase monitoring in containers exposed to wind or lingering heat. For best results with moisture management, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation.

Care level

Easy

Watering

Keep the surface evenly moist during germination to prevent a crust that blocks seedlings. After emergence water deeply once the top two or three centimetres begin to dry. Alternating drought and heavy irrigation promotes split fibrous or excessively pungent roots while prolonged saturation causes rot. Water at soil level in the morning, mulch lightly after thinning, and avoid unnecessarily wetting leaves. In containers check moisture daily during warm periods without leaving water in the saucer.

Soil type

Prepare light deep loose well-drained soil screened to remove stones clods and debris that distort roots. Slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.0–7.0 is suitable. Incorporate only a moderate amount of mature compost; fresh manure and excess nitrogen produce excessive foliage and forked or poor-quality roots. Work the bed when neither sticky nor dusty and avoid walking on the row. In heavy soil use a raised bed or sufficiently deep container. Rotate away from other Brassicaceae.

Fertilization

Incorporate a moderate amount of mature compost before sowing if soil is poor. Watermelon radish generally needs no heavy feeding: excess nitrogen mainly develops leaves and delays roots while concentrated fertilizer can burn seedlings. Base any additional input on a soil test or directions for a balanced root-vegetable fertilizer. Avoid fresh manure, never place granules against seed, and water after application. In containers a very weak balanced dose is sufficient if mix is new and already enriched; stop feeding well before harvest.

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for 'Watermelon' watermelon. In late summer sow in a fine bed, keep moist until emergence, and protect young leaves from flea beetles with insect netting if needed. Thin early without disturbing retained roots and weed shallowly. Maintain even moisture and monitor aphids, slugs, caterpillars, and signs of rot. Begin inspecting shoulders near 50 days. Harvest before roots become pithy or soil freezes deeply, then remove diseased Brassicaceae debris. In early autumn, continue watering according to soil drying and harvest the largest roots first. Cut one sample to confirm texture and colour before lifting the whole row. Promptly remove split, soft, or rotting roots. After harvest, remove diseased debris and do not immediately replant cabbage, turnip, arugula, or another Brassicaceae in the same place. Clean tools and plan crop rotation. In winter, store only firm roots under cold conditions without freezing. For best results with seasonal care, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During seasonal care, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust seasonal care to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh. Regular checks during seasonal care help ensure harvest before roots become pithy, split, or excessively pungent. After seasonal care, remove diseased residue and rotate with crops outside the Brassicaceae family. Record dates related to seasonal care so the next sowing can be adjusted to conditions in your garden.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

10 to 15 L, at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep

Growing 'Watermelon' watermelon in containers. Choose a 10–15 L container at least 25–30 cm deep with several drainage holes. Fill with light stone-free well-drained mix. Sow approximately 1 cm deep, then thin to 5–10 cm so roots have room to become round. Place the pot in sun during cool weather or light partial shade during lingering hot afternoons. Maintain even moisture without standing water and rotate the container for balanced light. A broad pot produces only a few good-sized roots; avoid overcrowding. Raise the pot slightly to keep drainage holes open and empty any saucer after watering. Fine mulch helps keep the surface cool. In late summer, check moisture morning and evening during windy days. Do not add nitrogen-rich fertilizer; lightly enriched fresh mix is generally sufficient. Harvest one test root to check size and flesh, then allow the others to grow if texture remains firm. After cropping, do not reuse diseased mix for other Brassicaceae. For best results with container growing, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During container growing, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust container growing to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) for the foliage

Width / spread

Approximately 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) between roots

Flower color

White to pale pink

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous rosette

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Leaf rosette above a round root

Edible parts

Root and healthy young leaves

Bloom period

When a healthy root is retained for seed production, it may produce a branched stalk after cold exposure, bearing white to pinkish flowers. Blooms attract various pollinating insects. To preserve the variety, isolate plants from other flowering radishes, allow pods to mature and dry, then collect seed only from healthy plants showing the expected characteristics. For best results with second-year flowering, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation.

Fruiting

This crop is harvested for its root, not a culinary fruit. If a plant bolts and flowers, it later forms seed pods; these structures are not part of the usual harvest described here. For seed saving, allow pods to brown and dry on healthy plants, then protect them from moisture before threshing. For best results with root development, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation.

Days to maturity

Approximately 60 days after sowing

Harvest

Begin inspecting near 50 days and harvest generally between 50 and 60 days; maturity is near 60 days. Gently uncover the shoulder to check diameter, then lift a root while soil is slightly moist. Harvest while firm heavy and crisp before it becomes pithy excessively pungent or split. Remove tops leaving a short petiole, cool the root, and store separately from leaves. Discard any root that is soft, mouldy, slimy, or abnormal-smelling.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Lettuce, spinach, and green onions may share the area when every crop retains enough light, water, and space. Their cycle or habit differs from radish and can help use the bed without crowding roots. These pairings do not guarantee pest control. Avoid repeatedly sowing Brassicaceae in the same place. Rotation with crops from other families helps limit buildup of specialized diseases and insects. Keep a clear path for thinning, soil-level watering, and lifting roots without disturbing neighbouring crops. Check each companion separately for moisture and spacing needs, especially during late-summer sowing.

Garden use

'Watermelon' watermelon in the vegetable garden. Reserve a late-summer bed with loose soil or a broad container near the kitchen for Watermelon radish. Sow in rows approximately 25–30 cm apart and thin plants to 5–10 cm so roots can become round. Small sections sown every seven to fourteen days may stagger harvest where the season allows. Place the crop in full sun during cool weather; light partial shade helps during lingering hot afternoons. Use insect netting against flea beetles instead of relying on companion plants as treatment. Low foliage fits neatly along an autumn vegetable bed, while pink flesh creates a surprise at harvest. Keep easy access for soil-level watering and lifting test roots. After cropping, rotate away from other Brassicaceae where pests or disease have occurred. Keep a clear path beside the row. For best results with its place in the garden, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During its place in the garden, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust its place in the garden to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh. Regular checks during its place in the garden help ensure harvest before roots become pithy, split, or excessively pungent.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

'Watermelon' watermelon in the kitchen. Crisp Watermelon radish salad, 4 servings — Prepare 3 firm radishes, half a cucumber, 30 ml olive oil, 15 ml lemon juice, 5 ml honey, 15 ml fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Scrub and rinse roots carefully, remove damaged portions, and slice very thinly. Cut the cucumber, then whisk oil, lemon, and honey. Toss vegetables with dressing immediately before serving and add herbs. For milder flavour, soak radish slices in ice water for five minutes, then drain thoroughly. Serve at once. Refrigerate ingredients and leftovers in a clean container within two hours of preparation and eat them within two days. For best results with this radish preparation, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During this radish preparation, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust this radish preparation to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

When a few roots remain until second-year flowering, radish blooms may attract bees, hoverflies, and other insects. Flowering is not required for root harvest. Avoid insecticides on visited blooms and maintain other diverse flowers nearby. Remove diseased plants rather than leaving them for seed. A shallow clean water source may also support visiting beneficial insects during dry weather.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Watermelon radish?

The name comes from its cut appearance: white to greenish skin surrounds dark-pink flesh edged in white, resembling the colours of a small watermelon. It does not taste like melon. This is a Chinese winter radish also sold as Red Meat, Roseheart, Beauty Heart, or Shinrimei. Interior colour develops best as roots mature in cool weather. For best results with its interior colour, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During its interior colour, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust its interior colour to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh.

When should Watermelon radish be sown in your region?

Direct sow July through September for autumn harvest. References indicate that spring sowings bolt readily as days lengthen. Place seed approximately 1 cm deep in loose soil, maintain 10–20°C, and keep the surface moist. Emergence generally takes 4–10 days. Thin early to 5–10 cm so round roots can size up. For best results with the sowing schedule, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During the sowing schedule, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust the sowing schedule to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh.

How can a round rather than forked root be produced?

Loosen soil deeply and remove stones clods and debris before sowing. Use mature compost, never fresh manure, and avoid excess nitrogen. Thin to 5–10 cm without pulling retained plants. Maintain even moisture and do not work the row while soil is waterlogged. In heavy ground a raised bed or 25–30 cm deep container provides more uniform structure. For best results with root quality, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During root quality, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust root quality to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh.

When should Watermelon radish be harvested?

Begin checking near 50 days and generally harvest around 60 days. Gently uncover the root shoulder to judge diameter, then lift a sample. The root should be firm heavy and crisp. Do not wait until it becomes pithy excessively pungent or split. Remove tops, cool promptly, and store roots separately from leaves to reduce moisture loss. For best results with harvest timing, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During harvest timing, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust harvest timing to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh.

Can this radish be grown in a container?

Yes. Choose a broad 10–15 L pot at least 25–30 cm deep with several drainage holes. Use light stone-free mix, sow 1 cm deep, and thin to 5–10 cm. Maintain consistent moisture without standing water. Root count depends on available surface; a few well-spaced plants produce better results than dense sowing that mainly gives foliage and small roots. For best results with preventing bolting, keep soil cool, loose, and evenly moist without saturation. During preventing bolting, thin early enough for every root to have the space required to become round. Adjust preventing bolting to the weather because sustained heat or drought may toughen the flesh.