What hardiness zones is Raphanus sativus 'Watermelon' suitable for?

Raphanus sativus 'Watermelon' (also known as Shinrimei or Red Meat radish) is an annual root vegetable reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall (foliage) with a spread of 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) and an upright habit with a rosette of rough-textured leaves above a round to slightly oblong root. A Chinese heirloom radish, it produces roots 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) in diameter with a dull green-white exterior and a vivid magenta-pink to watermelon-red interior—the color revealed when sliced in cross-section resembles a miniature watermelon. Crisp, mildly peppery flesh that sweetens toward the center where the pink color is most intense. Days to maturity 50-65 from direct sow. Growth rate is moderate. Best as a fall crop—late summer sowing produces the most vivid color and sweetest flavor. Spring sowings are less colorful.

Native Range

Raphanus sativus originated in Southeast Asia. 'Watermelon' (Shinrimei / Red Meat) is a Chinese heirloom radish.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—sliced raw (reveals color), salads, crudités, pickling, garnish. Vivid magenta-pink interior on green-white exterior—visual impact when sliced. Chinese heirloom. Fall crop most colorful. Mild peppery sweetening toward center. Stores 2-3 months. 50-65 days. Color fades with cooking—serve raw for visual effect. Spring sowings less colorful and bolt-prone.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Miyashige' daikon by the round (versus long cylindrical) shape, the vivid pink interior (versus white throughout), and the smaller size (3-4 versus 14-18 inches). Distinguished from European radishes by the larger size (3-4 versus 1 inch), the green-white exterior, and the internal (versus external) coloring. Watermelon radish—green-white outside/vivid pink inside, Chinese heirloom, cross-section resembles watermelon, fall crop most colorful, mild peppery.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread6" - 8"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

White to lavender four-petaled flowers when bolting. Fall-sown crops rarely bolt. Spring sowings bolt more readily in heat.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to lavender; four-petaled; bolting only

Foliage Description

Dark green; rough-textured; basal rosette

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 Range5.8 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

50-65 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow in late summer (55-70 days before first frost) for fall harvest—fall crops produce the most vivid pink color. Loose, well-drained soil (pH 5.8-6.8). Thin to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Consistent moisture. Days to maturity 50-65 from direct sow. Harvest when shoulders are 3-4 inches—test by cutting one to check interior color. Stores 2-3 months refrigerated in humidity.