Detroit Dark Red Radish
Raphanus sativus
Overview
The Reliable Red Root
The Detroit Dark Red Radish is an heirloom variety prized for its vibrant, deep red color and uniform globe shape. Unlike many fast-maturing radishes, this variety remains crisp and solid, resisting the tendency to become "pithy" (hollow and spongy) as it matures. This makes it a highly reliable choice for both the home gardener and commercial producer.
It is a cool-season crop that grows rapidly, often ready for harvest in under a month. Its medium-to-large size and mild-to-medium spicy flavor make it excellent for slicing, pickling, or adding to salads for a peppery crunch.
Cool-Season Tolerance
This variety shows good resistance to bolting (going to seed) in mild, slightly warmer spring conditions than other radishes, extending its successful planting window.
General Grow Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 25–30 days (Fast) |
| Root Shape | Round |
| Plant Height (Foliage) | 4-6 in |
| Plant Spacing | 2 in |
| Row Spacing | 6-8 in |
| Sunlight Needs | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Sprouting Time | 3-7 days |
Plant Care and Cultivation
- Successive Planting: To ensure a continuous supply, sow a small batch of seeds every **10-14 days** throughout the cool spring and fall seasons.
- Moisture and Heat: Keep the soil consistently moist. Inconsistent watering or sudden heat spells can cause the radish to become hot, tough, and prone to bolting.
- Thinning is Key: Radishes must be thinned when they are very small to ensure the bulbs have enough space to form a perfect globe shape. Thin to the recommended 2-inch spacing.
- Harvest Promptly: Although resistant to pithiness, radishes are best harvested when the root is fully sized (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Over-mature roots will decline in quality.
Edible Greens
The greens of the Detroit Dark Red Radish are fully edible. Harvest the outer leaves for a peppery addition to salads or lightly sauté them like turnip greens.Soil and Spice
The level of spice in a radish is largely determined by its growing conditions. Faster growth in loose, moist soil produces milder radishes, while slower growth in dry, compact soil results in sharper, hotter roots.Recipes Featuring Detroit Dark Red Radish
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