Giant butter radish - radish seeds

Raphanus sativus - Butter Radish

Radish is a root vegetable originating from Japan. It is characterized by its distinctive taste and is undemanding to grow. Its piquant flavor comes from mustard oil. Radishes contain large amounts of vitamin C and folic acid. They also contain calcium, sulfur, carotene, potassium, and vitamin B. Moreover, they are suitable for diets because they contain minimal fat. In the kitchen, they enjoy great popularity. They are best when consumed fresh, for example in salads and 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 both morning and evening. To prevent bulb cracking, it is advisable to limit fluctuations in soil moisture through irrigation. During the growing season, keep radish beds free of weeds and hoe them carefully.

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

  Radishes can be pre-grown in a warm greenhouse or hotbed from February. In this case, sow in rows approximately 10 cm apart. After emergence, also thin the plants.

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

• In overly dense sowings, there is a risk of attack by the fungal disease of seedling necks known as damping-off. The affected neck turns brown and the seedlings die. Establish sparse sowings and maintain only moderate moisture.

  Irregular watering is associated with bulb cracking, which 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 fly females from laying eggs on radish root necks. For chemical protection, Sumithion Super is suitable. Regular watering also prevents attack by flea beetles, which nibble on leaves.

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