Oriental Radish
Raphanus sativus niger
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Pl. 7740 — Raphanus sativus niger
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IOverview
Overview
Oriental Radish (Raphanus sativus niger) is an annual plant native to regions such as Greece, Italy, Sicilia, and Yugoslavia. Known for its edible parts including the flowers, leaves, root, seed, and seedpod, this radish thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil types with a pH between 7.5 and 8. It prefers moist conditions and grows to about 0.5 meters tall. This variety is adaptable to hardiness zones 2-11, making it suitable for cultivation across various climates. Its distinctive feature lies in its dark black skin, setting it apart from other radish varieties.
Quick answers
What is Oriental Radish?
Oriental Radish (Raphanus sativus niger) is an annual plant native to regions such as Greece, Italy, Sicilia, and Yugoslavia. Known for its edible parts including the flowers, leaves, root, seed, and seedpod, this radish thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil types with a pH between 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Oriental Radish thrives in partial to full sunlight and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best with a soil pH between 7.5 and 8. The plant is hardy in zones 2-11 and has an annual life cycle, reaching up to 0.5 meters in height. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed. Harvest the roots, leaves, flowers, seedpods, or seeds for use in cooking.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Oriental Radish for the first time
7steps
Start with Oriental Radish for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct garden space, water can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spacing them about 5 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant after a few weeks.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to 10 cm apart once they have grown their second set of leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Harvest roots when they are the size of a golf ball, usually 45-60 days after planting. Cut off any dead leaves to prevent disease spread.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootSeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Animal feedCover cropoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 26 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 26 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 4 native· 26 introduced
Europe6 regions
native (2)GreeceItaly
introduced (4)BelarusBelgiumBulgariaSpain
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)BangladeshIndia
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)AlgeriaAngola
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Argentina South, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, British Columbia, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, Bermuda, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Andaman Is., California, Caroline Is., Chile Central, Chile North, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 774068bd-5ab9-460a-b3fa-c4ea948406af
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