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Radish

Raphanus sativa

INTRODUCTION

Radish is a fast-maturing crop and adds colour and taste to any salad. Available over a long season and trouble-free to grow, it also makes an excellent catch crop that can be slotted in amongst brassicas or other root crops.

Radish is a crop usually associated with summertime but winter varieties are available (used in a similar way to Turnips). Available in a range of colours from red through to mauve, purple, white and even black. A crop capable of maturing within a month, Radish is an excellent item for the beginner.

Soil Preparation

Radish is an easy and straightforward crop to grow but good soil preparation is needed for the best results.

The growing site should be in a sunny position with organic material added well in advance of sowing, like most root crops, Radish dislike freshly manured soil.

The ground should be light, fertile, free-draining and stone free. Heavy clay soils are not ideal.

During the height of summer, Radish can be grown in light shade.

Sowing & Planting

Sowing can begin during early spring, depending on weather conditions and continue until September. The cropping period can be extended at each end of the season by growing under cloches or in the polytunnel or greenhouse.

Sow during late summer for winter varieties.

Prepare the seedbed by removing any weed from the soil and rake level to a fine tilth.

Carefully take out a drill (shallow groove) and sow seed thinly. Cover seed to a depth of 1cm and Leave 15cm (6 inches) between rows.

Water in well with a watering can with rose, try not to disturb the newly sown seed. Keep moist until the seed has germinated which will take about 5 days.

Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply.

Growing & General Cultivation

When the Radish seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out to about 5cm (2 inches) to enable roots to reach their full potential. Closer thinning will result in smaller roots. 

Keep growing area weed-free.

Water regularly, especially during very dry weather. Radish will become woody and unpalatable without adequate irrigation.

Feeding should not be necessary.

Pests & Diseases

Radish is under normal circumstances, a relatively trouble-free crop to produce. However, the odd issue may arise under certain conditions.

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants - for remedies - see product directory.

Cabbage Fly can be a problem. The larvae, resulting from eggs laid at the base of stems, will eat roots causing the plant to wilt and die. Cover crop with fleece to prevent attack. Covering with fleece will also advance harvesting.

Flea Beetle can cause foliage damage which if severe can cause a check to growth. Cover with a fly-proof net to prevent an attack if required.

Harvesting

Radish will be ready to harvest in as little as 4 weeks, depending on variety and growing conditions. Winter varieties will take longer to mature.

Simply pull from the ground as required and use immediately. Radish will store for a day or two in the fridge.

Radish will become large and woody in texture if left for too long in the soil. Regular successional sowings will ensure continuous harvests throughout the season.

Winter harvesting varieties may be left in the ground until required. As an alternative, roots can be lifted and stored in dry sand in a frost-free shed.

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