China Rose radish freshly pulled in a sunny garden

How to Grow China Rose Radishes From Seed

By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Updated July 2026

China Rose is an heirloom winter radish with striking rose-pink skin and firm, white, pungent flesh. Larger and hotter than salad radishes, it is a traditional fall and winter storage type grown across Asia for centuries. It matures in about 50 to 55 days from a late-summer sowing and keeps well in cool storage. China Rose brings bold color and a spicy kick to autumn and winter kitchens.

This is the quick guide to China Rose. For the full step-by-step on starting seeds, sowing, feeding, and troubleshooting radishes, see our complete guide to growing radishes from seed.

Quick start

Direct-sow China Rose seeds about half an inch deep in deep, loose soil in late summer for a fall crop. Thin seedlings to about 4 inches apart and keep the soil evenly moist. Harvest the rose-pink roots in about 50 to 55 days, before hard frost, then store them in a cool, humid spot.

Best tip

China Rose is a fall and winter radish, so sow it in late summer rather than spring; it needs cool weather to size up without bolting. Give it deep, loose soil and thin to about 4 inches so the large roots develop fully. Its pungent heat is normal for a winter type, and harvesting before hard frost gives you roots that store for weeks in a cool cellar.

At a glance

Botanical nameRaphanus sativus

Plant typeCool-season root vegetable (annual)

USDA zones2 to 11 (grown as a cool-season annual)

SunFull sun to part shade (6+ hours)

Days to maturity50 to 55 days

Height10 to 14 inches (tops)

Spacing1 inch, then thin to 2 to 6 inches apart

WaterEven and consistent; keep soil evenly moist

Uses

China Rose brings bold color and spice to cool-season cooking. Grate its firm, pungent flesh into slaws and Korean-style pickles, or slice it thin for a peppery salad accent. Stir-frying and roasting mellow the heat into a savory sweetness, and it holds up well in soups. As a storage radish, it keeps for weeks, adding fresh crunch to winter meals.

Frequently asked questions

How long does China Rose radish take to grow?

China Rose is a winter radish that needs about 50 to 55 days. Sow it in late summer so it matures in the cool of fall.

What does a China Rose radish look like and taste like?

It forms oblong roots about 5 inches long with bright rose-pink skin and firm white flesh. The flavor is distinctly pungent and spicy, stronger than salad radishes.

What is China Rose radish best used for?

Its firm, pungent flesh is great grated into slaws, pickled, or stir-fried, where its heat mellows. It also stores well for winter eating.

Any tips for growing China Rose radish?

Sow in late summer in deep, loose soil, thin to about 4 inches apart, and keep evenly moist. Harvest in fall before hard frost, and store the roots in a cool, humid place.

Ready to grow your own? China Rose seeds give you colorful, pungent winter radishes that store well. For the full step-by-step, see our complete radish growing guide linked at the top of this page.

China Rose Radish Seeds – Non-GMO HeirloomHeirloom, non-GMOHeirloom China Rose radish — rose-pink winter roots with firm, spicy flesh.

Price$4.99

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Want more radishes? These value packs pair China Rose with other varieties:

By Maxim Kaufman — Founder & CEO, Organo Republic

Maxim founded Organo Republic in 2017 and personally selects, tests, and grows the heirloom, non-GMO varieties the company offers. Under his leadership, Organo Republic was named Agri Business Review’s Top Non-GMO Seed Variety Solution 2026.