Raphanus sativus 'Black Spanish Round'
vegetableA round black-skinned radish with white, dense, crisp flesh and a sharp, pungent flavor much stronger than red radishes. One of the oldest cultivated radishes, traditional in Eastern European, German, and Jewish cooking where it is used grated in salads, fermented as a condiment, and used medicinally as a digestive and liver support herb. Very cold-hardy and stores well through winter.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~60 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
4-6 in
Planting Depth
1/2 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Loose
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 9
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Light balanced fertilizer at planting only
Fertilizer
Low-nitrogen; excess nitrogen produces leafy tops at the expense of roots
Sow directly in late summer for fall and winter harvest — late July to August in most climates. Like watermelon radish, black Spanish radish is a storage type that needs cool temperatures to develop properly. Thin to 4 to 6 inches. Allow 55 to 70 days. Can be left in the ground through mild frosts. In cold climates, harvest before hard freeze and store in damp sand in a root cellar.
spring planting
Direct sow
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
May 31
fall planting
Direct sow
Aug 4
Projected first harvest
Oct 3
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover from sowing; rotate location annually; avoid fresh manure
Row cover; diatomaceous earth; interplant with alliums
Water blast; insecticidal soap; allium companions
Lime soil; strict rotation with non-brassica crops
Harvest when roots reach 3 to 4 inches in diameter, about 55 to 70 days. The rough black skin should be firm and hard. Peel before eating — the skin is very bitter. Grate and dress with salt, vinegar, and oil for a classic preparation. Radishes can remain in the ground through light frosts. Store in a root cellar in damp sand for several months.
High in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates — compounds studied for liver-protective and cancer-preventive activity. Good source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Traditionally used as a digestive bitter and liver support herb in European folk medicine. The pungency comes from allyl isothiocyanate, also found in horseradish and wasabi.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting