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