Chinese Shawo Fruit with slices arranged on a white background.
Whole Chinese Shawo Fruit Radish on a bed of sliced radishes on a white background.
Whole and sliced Chinese Shawo Fruit Radish with a post card and coins on light blue background.
Whole and cut Chinese Shawo Fruit Radishes arranged in and around a bowl on dark blue background.
Chinese Shawo Fruit Radish salad with whole and cut radishes on a light background.
Chinese Shawo Fruit with slices arranged on a white background.
Whole Chinese Shawo Fruit Radish on a bed of sliced radishes on a white background.
Whole and sliced Chinese Shawo Fruit Radish with a post card and coins on light blue background.
Whole and cut Chinese Shawo Fruit Radishes arranged in and around a bowl on dark blue background.
Chinese Shawo Fruit Radish salad with whole and cut radishes on a light background.

Radish Seeds,
Chinese Shawo Fruit

3.935 ReviewsSKU: #RD160Min. seed count: 200
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Description

(Raphanus sativus). Unique bright green radish from northern China with sweet flavor. Known in Beijing as a fruit radish, the sweet roots are crisp and sweet, considered a tasty fruit substitute similar in texture and taste to pear. Northern Chinese winters are notoriously harsh; these long cylindrical radishes sweeten up when exposed to frost. This variety is traditionally offered as a sliced fresh "fruit" at Beijing tea parties in wintertime. These opulent tea parties are thrown to celebrate the famous Beijing Opera. We also love this super sweet root as a wintertime snack. Grows well only in cool weather and is great for a fall planting only. Plant about 50 to 60 days before frost in the late summer. Beautiful green goodness!

Growing Tips: Chinese Shawo Fruit radishes grow best in well-drained, loose soil with plenty of sunlight. They are ideal for cooler growing conditions, ideally 50-75 F. Consistent moisture is crucial to prevent the radishes from becoming woody or developing a bitter taste.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Raphanus sativus
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
3–6
Days to Maturity
50–60
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
2–4 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Plant Chinese Shawo Fruit radishes are suitable for fall planting only. They grow best in temperatures between 50-75 F. Plant about 50-60 days before frost in the late summer. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds directly into the soil, about 1/4 inch deep, and space them 1-2 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. After germination, thin the seedlings to about 4 inches apart to provide sufficient space for root development. Successive sowing every two weeks can ensure a continuous harvest.

How to Grow

Maintain consistent soil moisture to support rapid growth. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor the plants for pests like flea beetles and root maggots, which can affect the quality of the crop. Keep the soil loose to allow the roots to expand freely.

How to Save Seeds

  • Radishes are insect-pollinated, so you'll need to isolate varieties by up to 1⁄2 mile or stagger plantings to avoid flowering at the same time.
  • Staggering can be easy because of the radish's quick maturity.
  • Allow flower stalks to shoot up and seed pods to dry on the plant before picking pods and opening by hand to remove the seeds.
  • Seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years when stored in an airtight container.

FAQ

What does the Chinese Shawo Fruit radish taste like?

It has a mild, sweet flavor, which makes it excellent for fresh eating and salads.

Can Chinese Shawo Fruit radishes be grown in containers?

Yes, make sure that the container is deep enough to accommodate the radish roots.

What are common pests to watch out for?

Flea beetles and root maggots are common pests. Regular inspection and proper spacing can help manage these issues.

Browse our full range of radish seeds.

Customer reviews

3.9 / 5 35 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heads up: Mostly hot, not sweet, until hard frost; bolts in heat, so sow late.

  • Easy to germinate: Comes up fast and grows with little care.

  • Best roasted: Roasting or cooking tames the heat; tastes like rutabaga.

  • Lime-green color: Striking green roots with a white tip; pretty on the plate.

  • Bees love the blooms: Lavender flowers draw pollinators if plants bolt.

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