Red and White Radish DUO 5m-150s

Raphanus sativus - DUO

Radish is a root vegetable originating from Japan. It is characterised by its distinctive taste and is undemanding to grow. Its piquant flavour comes from mustard oil. Radishes contain large amounts of vitamin C and folic acid. They also contain calcium, sulphur, carotene, potassium and vitamin B. Moreover, they are suitable for diets as they contain minimal fat. They are very popular in the kitchen. They are best consumed fresh, for example in salads or spreads.

How to Grow Radishes

• For early sowing in open ground, it is advisable to choose sunny locations; for summer cultivation, rather shaded ones. Water radishes in the morning and evening. To prevent the roots from cracking, it is advisable to limit fluctuations in soil moisture through watering. During the growing season, remove weeds from radish beds and hoe them carefully.

• Spring sowing in beds is carried out as soon as the soil dries. Sow in rows 15-20 cm apart and to a depth of 1 cm. After germination and formation of cotyledon leaves, thin out to 3-4 cm spacing.

  Radishes can be pre-grown in a heated greenhouse or cold frame from February onwards. In this case, sow in rows approximately 10 cm apart. Thin out the plants after germination as well.

• For growing radishes, permeable, light to medium-heavy, deeply worked soil that is rich in humus and has sufficient soil moisture is suitable.

• Do not fertilise radishes with farmyard manure. They would accumulate nitrates, which are dangerous for the human body. Do not fertilise radishes during the growing season. It is advisable to use them as a pre-crop.

• In overcrowded sowings, there is a risk of fungal disease of seedling necks known as damping-off. The affected neck turns brown and the seedlings die. Sow thinly and maintain only moderate moisture.

  Root cracking is related to irregular watering and develops, for example, during rainfall after a prolonged dry period.

  Root flies, whose larvae form tunnels in root heads, are a significant pest of radishes. Non-woven fabric will prevent root flies from laying eggs on radish root necks. For chemical protection, Sumithion Super is suitable. Regular watering also prevents flea beetle attacks, which nibble on leaves.

• Harvest radishes as needed when they are ripe. Ripeness can be recognised by the size of the root bulb.