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How to Grow Long Scarlet Cincinnati Radish

Wikipedia

Long Scarlet Cincinnati Radish

Raphanus sativus var. sativus

vegetable

Long Scarlet Cincinnati is a classic heirloom radish variety producing long, slender roots with bright red skin and crisp white flesh. Known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture, this variety has been a gardening favorite since the 1800s. It matures quickly and is ideal for spring and fall crops.

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Example Long Scarlet Cincinnati Radish timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Long Scarlet Cincinnati Radish

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Long Scarlet Cincinnati Radish

    Around May 12

    ≈ 25 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Long Scarlet Cincinnati Radish dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; can tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates
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Water: Consistently moist but not waterlogged; 1-1.5 inches per week through rainfall or irrigation. Keep soil evenly moist for best flavor and texture; drought stress causes tough, pithy roots.
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Spacing: 2 inches
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Days to maturity: 25-30 days
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Planting depth: 0.5

Soil

Type: Well-draining, loose, friable loamy soil with minimal rocks or clods
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure for organic matter Sand to improve drainage in heavy soils Remove rocks and break up compacted soil to prevent forked roots

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cooler spring and fall weather

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Seed germination

3-7 days

Seeds sprout within 3-7 days in cool (50-65°F), moist soil. Thin seedlings emerge with oval cotyledons.

Keep soil consistently moist. Avoid direct sunlight until germination to prevent crusting. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they develop first true leaves.

2

Seedling establishment

5-7 days

Young plants develop 2-4 true leaves, establishing the main taproot that will become the edible radish.

Thin to 2-inch spacing immediately to prevent overcrowding. Ensure adequate light to prevent leggy growth. Water gently to avoid displacing seedlings. Remove competing weeds.

3

Root development

10-15 days

Plants develop characteristic long, slender red roots extending downward while tops produce elongated, lobed green leaves.

Maintain consistent moisture to promote smooth, tender root development. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers which promote excessive leaf growth over root formation. Monitor for pests, especially flea beetles.

4

Maturity and harvest-readiness

3-5 days peak harvest window

Roots reach 6-8 inches long with bright scarlet skin and firm white flesh. Roots are tender and have peak flavor at this stage.

Begin harvesting when roots are 1/4-1/2 inch diameter at the shoulder and 6 inches long. Do not allow roots to overmature, which causes woodiness and hollowing. Harvest promptly after reaching maturity.

5

Post-harvest storage

Up to 4 weeks refrigerated

Harvested radishes can be stored for extended freshness with proper handling and cool conditions.

Remove leaves immediately after harvest (they drain moisture). Store in refrigerator in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer at 32-40°F. Use within 3-4 weeks. Or store in cool, humid environment with sand for longer-term keeping.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce Spinach Carrot Peas Cucumber Dill Chervil Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage family (Brassicas) Hyssop Rue

Common Pests

  • Use row covers until plants establish 4-5 leaves. Spray with neem oil or spinosad if needed. Maintain consistent watering to reduce stress.

  • Use row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs. Apply diatomaceous earth around base of plants. Rotate planting location annually.

  • Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.

  • Use floating row covers. Remove damaged roots promptly. Practice crop rotation.

  • and

    Remove by hand (especially at night). Create copper barriers. Apply diatomaceous earth. Encourage ground beetles.

Uses

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Fresh eating and salads

Culinary

Long Scarlet Cincinnati radishes are prized for their crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor. Slice thin for salads, serve whole with butter and salt as an appetizer, or add to sandwiches and coleslaw for a peppery crunch. [source]

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Pickling and preserving

Culinary

Their firm texture and elongated shape make them ideal for pickling. Quick pickles retain their characteristic crunch and bright red color while developing tangy, complex flavors. [source]

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Roasting and cooking

Culinary

Long radishes can be halved lengthwise and roasted with oil and seasonings until tender and caramelized, developing a sweeter, more mellow flavor than raw radishes. [source]

💊

Digestive and respiratory support

Medicinal

Radishes contain glucosinolates and vitamin C, traditionally used to support digestion and respiratory health. In some traditional medicine systems, radish juice is used to ease congestion. [source]

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Companion planting and pest management

Household

Long Scarlet Cincinnati radishes are used in companion planting schemes to deter pests and improve soil structure. Their presence can help protect neighboring crops from certain insects. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Radishes are at peak flavor and texture when roots are 6-8 inches long and about 1/2 inch in diameter at the top shoulder. Harvest in the morning when plants are well-hydrated for maximum crispness. Gently loosen soil with a fork and pull by the leaves. Radishes become woody and develop hollow centers if left too long in the ground. For a continuous harvest, make succession plantings every 2 weeks. Long Scarlet Cincinnati radishes are ready 25-30 days from planting, making them excellent for early spring and fall crops when temperatures are cool.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Long Scarlet Cincinnati is an heirloom variety that has been documented in American seed catalogs since the 1880s, making it over 140 years old.
  • 🌱 Radishes were among the first crops grown by European settlers in North America and were highly valued for their rapid maturity and ability to provide fresh food in spring.
  • 🌱 The entire radish plant is edible—the leaves (radish greens) can be cooked like spinach or added to salads and are more nutritious than the roots themselves.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Germination Heirloom Succession Planting True Leaves
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