What hardiness zones is Brassica rapa 'Scarlet Queen' suitable for?

Brassica rapa 'Scarlet Queen' is an annual root vegetable reaching 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) tall (foliage) with a spread of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and an upright habit with a rosette of basal leaves above the root. A Japanese hybrid turnip, it produces round, flattened roots 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in diameter with vivid scarlet-red skin and crisp, pure white flesh—the color contrast when sliced is distinctive. Tender, mild, sweet flavor without the strong peppery bite of larger turnips. Green leaves with reddish stems, also edible. Days to maturity 40-50 from direct sow. Growth rate is fast. Harvest at 2-3 inches for best flavor and texture—becomes pithy if left too long. Best for spring and fall crops—bolts in sustained heat.

Native Range

Brassica rapa (turnip group) originated in Central Asia and the Mediterranean. 'Scarlet Queen' is a Japanese hybrid.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—sliced raw (scarlet/white contrast), salads, pickling, light cooking. Vivid red skin/white flesh. Mild sweet. Japanese hybrid. Fast 40-50 days. Edible greens. Becomes pithy if overgrown. Not suitable for summer growing or storage.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Tokyo Cross' by the vivid scarlet-red (versus white) skin and the flattened (versus round) shape. Distinguished from radishes by the larger size (2-3 inches versus 1 inch) and the milder flavor. Scarlet Queen turnip—vivid scarlet skin/white flesh contrast, Japanese hybrid, mild sweet, fast 40-50 days, flattened shape.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'2"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Yellow four-petaled flowers on stalks when bolting in heat. Harvest before bolting. Cool-season—spring and fall crops.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; four-petaled; bolting only

Foliage Description

Green with reddish stems; basal rosette; edible

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

40-50 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in early spring 4-6 weeks before last frost, or late summer for fall crop. Loose, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Thin to 3-4 inches (8-10 cm). Consistent moisture for smooth roots. Days to maturity 40-50 from direct sow. Harvest at 2-3 inches—becomes pithy if overgrown. Cool-season—bolts in heat.