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Part of the popular Brassica family, radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus) is an edible root vegetable, mostly enjoyed as a crunchy addition in salads. Some varieties with hardier fusiform or napiform taproots can be cooked in stews, stir-fry, and soups. This amazing vegetable is easy to grow at home — even amateur gardeners will enjoy the process.
Different radishes come in various colors, flavors, shapes, and sizes. Apart from their culinary use, some radishes are planted in home gardens as cover or forage crops during winter. In case your garden overproduces radishes, you can always store the crops for future use, or ferment them.
Common Radish Types
When going to the farmers markets or grocery stores, you might encounter different types of radishes. From the paler varieties to the bulbous ones, radishes greatly differ in appearance, growth needs, and other traits, depending on their subspecies.
To learn more about this wonderful root crop, let’s first differentiate heirloom and hybrid varieties.
Heirloom and Hybrid Radishes
Daikon Minowase, Easter Egg Blend, Hailstone, Tokinashi All Season, and White Icicle are some heirloom radish varieties commonly found in seed markets. Heirloom varieties are essentially free from any crossbreeding for at least 40 to 50 years. If you’re aiming for seed saving, opt for this type as you get the same traits from the parent plant. Globally, heirloom plant varieties are maintained by ethnic, familial, and other social groups as a generational tradition.
In some cases, these true-to-seed heirloom varieties are maintained by private institutions like seed companies and universities.
Examples of hybrids include Alpine Gold, Big Time, Bora King, Chinese Starburst, Fujikaze, Relish Cross, and Shin Dong Ha. These hybrid varieties are the result of deliberate and manual crossbreeding between two distinct radish varieties. Agriculturists can imbue favorable traits to the hybrid seed. Thus, improvements on flavor, growth, and yield are possible. In addition, hybrid radish varieties can be developed to be more resistant towards certain diseases and pests.
Due to these improvements, hybrid varieties are top choices for large-scale farming.
Other Popular Radish Groupings
Now let’s take a look at some of the most common radish varieties, grouped by their unique traits.
Types of Radish Skin Colors
Depending on the variety, radishes come in different outer skin colors. In the United States, red and white radishes tend to be more common in grocery stores, while black radishes and other colors are usually sold in local farmers markets.
| Radish Skin Colors | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Black-Skinned Radishes | Black Spanish Round (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Runder Schwarzer Winter (Territorial Seed Company) |
| Green-Skinned Radishes | Chinese Shawo Fruit (Rare Seeds) Green Meat Luobo (True Leaf Market) Japanese Wasabi (Rare Seeds) |
| White-Skinned Radishes | China White Winter (True Leaf Market) Groundhog Daikon Radish (Territorial Seed Company) Japanese Minowase Daikon (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Minowase Summer Cross No. 3 (Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Nerima (True Leaf Market) Tokinashi All Season (True Leaf Market) White Icicle (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
| Purple-/Red-Skinned Radishes | Champion (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Cherry Belle (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Crimson Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Purple Plum (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Red Arrow (True Leaf Market) Sparkler White Tip (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
| Yellow-Skinned Radishes | Golden Helios (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) |
Types of Radish Flesh Colors
While many enjoy radishes for the crispy white flesh, some varieties have interior flesh with vivid colors.
| Radish Flesh Colors | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| White-Fleshed Radishes | Cherry Belle (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Crimson Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Dragon (Territorial Seed Company) Groundhog Daikon Radish (Territorial Seed Company) Nile (Territorial Seed Company) Sparkler White Tip (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) White Icicle (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
| Purple-/Red-Fleshed Radishes | Bora King (True Leaf Market) Chinese Red Meat (True Leaf Market) Pusa Gulabi (Rare Seeds) Pusa Jamuni (Rare Seeds) Red Beauty (Rare Seeds) Starburst (True Leaf Market) Sweet Baby (Territorial Seed Company) Watermelon (Eden Brothers) |
Types of Radish Shapes
In addition to typical, round radishes, other varieties have elongated shapes.
| Radish Shapes | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Bulbous/Round Radishes | Comet (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Crimson Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Easter Egg (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) German Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Watermelon (Eden Brothers) |
| Elongated Radishes | Alpine Gold (True Leaf Market) Bora King (True Leaf Market) China Rose (True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Dragon (Territorial Seed Company) French Breakfast (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) |
Types of Radish Flavors
When consumed raw, radishes provide strong flavor with hints of pungency or zest, depending on the variety. You can add radishes with a mild flavor to a number of delicious recipes.
| Radish Flavors | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Earthy and Mild Radishes | Champion (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Cherry Belle (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Watermelon (Eden Brothers) White Icicle (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
| Spicy Radishes | Comet (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Crimson Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Easter Egg (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) French Breakfast (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) German Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Purple Plum (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) |
| Sweet Radishes | Japanese Minowase Daikon (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Shirahime Hatsuka Daikon (True Leaf Market) Sparkler White Tip (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Starburst (True Leaf Market) Summercicle (True Leaf Market) |
Types of Radish Textures
Different radish varieties can provide an extra crunch in your meals due to their crisp texture.
| Radish Textures | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Radish Textures | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
| Crisp and Crunchy Radishes | Champion (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Cherry Belle (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Early Scarlet Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) German Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) White Icicle (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
| Juicy Radishes | Butter Globe (True Leaf Market) Comet (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Crimson Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) French Breakfast (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Purple Plum (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Sparkler White Tip (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Watermelon (Eden Brothers) |
Types of Geographic Origins
There are varying claims on the origin of radishes. Early Asian and European civilizations have records of cultivating radishes as part of their agricultural practices.
| Geographic Origins | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| European/Mediterranean Radishes | French Breakfast (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) German Giant (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Runder Schwarzer Winter (Territorial Seed Company) Sora (Territorial Seed Company) White Icicle (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
| North American Radishes | Purple Plum (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) |
| Asian Radishes | China Rose (True Leaf Market) China White Winter (True Leaf Market) Green Meat Luobo (True Leaf Market) Japanese Minowase Daikon (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Starburst (True Leaf Market) Watermelon (Eden Brothers) |
Types of Culinary Uses
As root vegetables, radishes can be applied to a number of recipes. Thin slices of radish work well in salads or can be processed for pickling.
| Culinary Uses | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Radishes for Pickling | China White Winter (True Leaf Market) Easter Egg (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Purple Plum (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Shogoin Globe (True Leaf Market) White Icicle (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) |
| Radishes for Raw Applications | Black Spanish Round (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) Cherry Belle (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) French Breakfast (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Lady Slipper (True Leaf Market) Shirahime Hatsuka Daikon (True Leaf Market) |
| Radishes for Soups/Stews | Bora King (True Leaf Market) Champion (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Fujikaze (True Leaf Market) Miyashige (True Leaf Market) Nerima (True Leaf Market) Passion Altari (True Leaf Market) |
Types of Disease Resistance
Some radishes are more resistant to disease than others.
| Disease Resistance | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Disease Resistant Radishes | Escala (Territorial Seed Company) |
| Susceptible Radishes | Bora King (True Leaf Market) Fall Storage (True Leaf Market) Karaine (True Leaf Market) Sushiro (True Leaf Market) |
Types of Preferred Growing Conditions
Radishes thrive in a well-drained soil. It can become an important part of your vegetable garden as it is available year-round due to its summer/spring and winter varieties. Whether you have a limited garden space or a fertile field, there’s a suitable radish variety for you.
| Preferred Growing Conditions | Common Examples (Where to Buy) |
|---|---|
| Field/Greenhouse Radishes | Celesta (Territorial Seed Company) Crunchy Crimson (Territorial Seed Company) Escala (Territorial Seed Company) Fujikaze (True Leaf Market) Japanese Minowase Daikon (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds) |
| Container Radishes | Champion (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Early Scarlet Globe (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) Easter Egg (Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market) French Breakfast (Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market) Hailstone (True Leaf Market) Lady Slipper (True Leaf Market) Pink Beauty (True Leaf Market) |
Popular Varieties of Spring and Summer Radishes
Spring and summer radishes tend to have shorter maturity time and come in smaller sizes. Do not underestimate their value, however. Harvesting this radish type can be a rewarding experience, especially for first-time home gardeners.
| Variety | Description | Days to Germination | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion | Unlike other radish varieties, Champion maintains its crisp texture until maturity without becoming woody. Its white flesh can be used for garnish or consumed in salads. This heirloom variety is an All-America Selections winner. | 4 to 7 days | 25 to 30 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market |
| Cherry Belle | Another All-America Selections favorite, the Cherry Belle radish is a reliable option for home gardening. It yields radish roots with a bright red skin and crisp white flesh, perfect for roasting or sautéing. | 3 to 7 days | 21 to 28 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market |
| Easter Egg | The easy-to-grow, Easter Egg radish produces an eye-catching round root crop that matures early. Even amateur gardeners will have no problem harvesting them. | 5 to 7 days | 30 to 35 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market |
| Fire Candle | Fire Candle has a cylindrical shape and red-purple exterior. Some mistake it as for carrot variety, but Fire Candle is an Italian heirloom radish that packs sweet flavor. | 5 to 8 days | 30 to 40 days | True Leaf Market |
| French Breakfast | French Breakfast radish has a unique appearance of a dominantly red exterior with white, blunt tips. The root crops from this French heirloom can reach 2 to 3 inches long. | 5 to 7 days | 25 to 30 days | Eden Brothers, Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market |
| Minowase Summer Cross No. 3 | Minowase Summer Cross No. 3 boasts disease resistance to Fusarium wilt, and Mosaic virus. Known for its elongated shape, it is a Japanese hybrid radish, reaching up to 15 inches in length under optimal conditions. You can enjoy this type of daikon radish in salads with simple dressings of cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. | 7 to 12 days | 50 to 60 days | Territorial Seed Company, True Leaf Market |
| Pink Summercicle | Pink Summercicle is a slow-bolting radish variety with edible green tops. Also known as Shunkyo Semi-Long, this variety can be harvested at an early stage as microgreens. | 5 to 8 days | 32 to 40 days | True Leaf Market |
| Purple Plum | Juicy and mildly sweet, Purple Plum yields round radishes that go deliciously in salads and stir-fry. | 3 to 14 days | 30 to 35 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds |
| White Icicle | Hardier in cold temperatures, White Icicle is a heavy yielder of pepper-flavored, white root crops that are often used in savory dishes. | 3 to 7 days | 21 to 30 | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market |
Popular Varieties of Winter Radishes
Winter radish varieties are more tolerant to cold temperatures, and the days to maturity tend to be longer.
| Variety | Description | Days to Germination | Days to Maturity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Spanish Round | This heirloom radish has a uniquely black exterior with snow-white flesh. Crisp and a bit pungent, Black Spanish Round has a slower maturing rate compared to other varieties. For best results, plant its seed during late summer or early fall. | 5 to 7 days | 55 to 60 days | Eden Brothers, True Leaf Market, Rare Seeds |
| China White Winter | Frost tolerant, the China White Winter variety can grow crops of about 6 to 8 inches in length with flavorful, white interior flesh. It is an excellent choice for pickling. | 7 to 10 days | 60 to 65 days | True Leaf Market |
| Green Meat Luobo | Reaching 6 to 10 inches long, Green Meat Luobo provides mild flavor when harvested early. When left out to mature further, its root crops become more pungent and spicy. | 3 to 6 days | 60 to 65 days | True Leaf Market |
| Runder Schwarzer Winter | Runder Schwarzer Winter, or Munich Beer radish, is a winter radish variety with a black exterior and white interior. This variety can last longer with or without a root cellar for storage. | 5 to 10 days | 45 to 50 days | Territorial Seed Company |
| Watermelon | Add a pop of color to your salad with this eye-catching radish variety. Watermelon may appear pale outside, but inside is a richly-colored interior with shades of magenta. Watermelon radish offers a sweet flavor with subtle hints of pepper. | 5 to 7 days | 65 to 70 days | Eden Brothers |
FAQ About Types of Radishes
Which radish varieties are not spicy?
Mild or sweet radishes such as Champion, Cherry Belle, Shirahime Hatsuka Daikon, Sparkler White Tip, Starburst, Summercicle, Watermelon, and White Icicle, taste less hot with minimal pungency compared to other varieties. Opt for these varieties if you have low tolerance to heat or need mild-tasting radish for recipes.
Which radish type is best for raw consumption?
Black Spanish Round, Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, Lady Slipper, and Shirahime Hatsuka Daikon are excellent radish types for raw culinary applications. Slices of these varieties can be added in salads, slaws, or processed for pickling.
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