Raphanus sativus

Raphanus sativus (radish) — one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, from fast salad globes to mild winter mooli. The botanical home of our radish range.

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Raphanus sativus — the radish

Raphanus sativus is the botanical name for the radish, a fast, hardy member of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) grown for its crisp, peppery root. It is the species behind our whole radish range within the root vegetable collection.

History & origin

The radish is one of humanity's oldest cultivated vegetables, thought to have been domesticated in Southeast or Central Asia and grown across China and the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians reportedly fed radishes to the workers who built the pyramids, and Greek and Roman writers praised the root long before it reached northern Europe. Over the centuries growers selected an enormous range, from tiny salad globes to the giant daikon and mooli of East Asia.

Its name reflects that long history: Raphanus comes from the Greek for “quickly appearing,” a nod to how fast the seedlings emerge, while sativus simply means “cultivated.”

Botanical characteristics

Radishes form a swollen root that can be round or long, and red, pink, white, purple, black or bicoloured depending on type. Quick summer radishes mature in as little as three to four weeks, while winter and daikon types grow larger, milder and store well. Left to flower, the plant sends up sprays of pale blooms followed by edible seed pods. Their speed makes radishes a star among our fast-growing vegetables, sitting alongside other roots like carrots and beetroot.

Growing Raphanus sativus from seed

Sow radishes direct and thinly where they are to grow, in moist, fertile soil, and keep them growing fast — checked, dry plants turn woody and hot. Summer types are perfect for slipping between slower crops as a catch crop, while winter radishes are sown from midsummer for autumn and winter use. Steady water is the secret to crisp, mild roots; our vegetable sowing calendar shows the sowing windows and our watering guide keeps them tender.

Ready to grow radishes? Browse the varieties or read up first.

Related categories: Radish · Root Vegetables · Carrot · Beetroot · Fast-Growing Veg

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Raphanus sativus?
It is the botanical name for the radish, a fast-growing root in the cabbage family.

Where do radishes originate?
From Asia, and they have been cultivated for thousands of years across Egypt, Greece, Rome and China.

What does the name mean?
Raphanus comes from the Greek for “quickly appearing” and sativus means “cultivated.”

How fast do radishes grow?
Summer salad types can be ready in just three to four weeks.

How do I grow them?
Sow direct and thinly, keep the soil moist, and grow them fast for crisp, mild roots.