Guide for Radish Cultivation: Steps for Radish Harvesting Success
In the realm of gardening, choosing the right radish variety can make a significant difference, especially when considering both summer and winter harvests. The selection process involves factors such as climate, desired flavour, and growth characteristics. Here's a guide to some of the best radish varieties for each season.
For summer, gardeners might consider the Raxe Radish, a German variety that thrives in the warmer months. Resistant to becoming fibrous, it can be planted from spring to fall without bolting, and matures in about 27 days. It's a large, round, red bunching type, growing three times the size of Cherry Belle[2].
Another summer option is the Shunkyo Radish, which, although best sown in spring, is slow to bolt and can be sown throughout the year in mild climates, making them suitable for summer harvests[3].
Recently introduced, the Zonella F1 buckles the trend of radishes being sharper in warmer months. It stays nice and white on the inside and offers a milder flavor, suitable for summer consumption[1].
When it comes to winter radishes, winter-hardy varieties are best sown in mid to late summer to crop from autumn through winter. They are often planted in rows 30cm apart to ensure good growth and yield during the colder months[5].
The Long Scarlet Radish, although traditionally considered more of a spring to fall variety, can be extended to early winter in mild climates. This variety is known for its carrot-like shape and mild, sweet, and peppery flavor[4].
Organic gardeners might find growing radishes in between rows of other, slower growing crops beneficial for suppressing unwanted weeds. Seedlings should be thinned out if they are growing closely together to encourage individual plants to form roots[6].
Radishes are easy to grow and can be a tasty addition to salads or a crisp snack. Radish seeds can be sown every few weeks through the summer for a regular supply. Harvesting radishes is straightforward: summer radishes are ready to harvest after three to six weeks, while winter cultivars can be harvested from November onwards[7].
Storing radishes varies: summer radishes should be eaten as young roots fresh from picking, while winter radishes such as mooli can be left in the ground to harvest as needed, or stored in a cool dry place[8].
Radish problems include young radish leaves being a magnet for slugs and snails, and can also be affected by flea beetle. Prevention methods include putting protection in place after sowing seeds, growing under horticultural fleece, and adding fertiliser to encourage strong plants[9].
Radishes are suitable for children to grow from seed as they germinate quickly and are ready to harvest within a couple of weeks. They prefer warm soil and need plenty of moisture for healthy growth[10].
In conclusion, whether you're planning a summer or winter harvest, there are a variety of radishes to choose from, each with its unique flavour and growth characteristics. With the right care and attention, radishes can be a delicious and rewarding addition to your garden.
References: [1] https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=521 [2] https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/raxe-radish/ [3] https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/shunkyo-radish/ [4] https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/long-scarlet-radish/ [5] https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/winter-hardy-radishes/ [6] https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-your-own/growing-radishes/ [7] https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/radishes/ [8] https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/storing-radishes/ [9] https://www.gardenersworld.com/problems/radishes/ [10] https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/radishes/growing-radishes/
- For home-and-garden enthusiasts who enjoy gardening, growing radishes can be a delightful addition to their summer lifestyle, with varieties like Raxe Radish, Shunkyo Radish, and Zonella F1 thriving and mature within a couple of weeks.
- When the chill of winter sets in, one's lifestyle might lean towards hearty soups and stews, but the garden need not be neglected. Winter-hardy radishes, like Long Scarlet Radish, can still be grown and harvested from autumn through winter, providing a sweet and peppery taste to complement colder months.
