Raphanus sativus

Cultivation

Sow directly to the regular spot and shade. It is not demanding to grow.

Distance between plants

At least 30 cm (12 in) between rows, and put plants in a row tightly together. Thin out regularly afterwards. It can be planted among other plants, such as carrots, to soften its soil.

Location

Sunny.

Amount

Approx. 20 plants per person.

Time of planting

February-April and June-mid September. It germinates in 7-10 days.

Fertilization

Don’t fertilize.

Watering

In drought, water once a week to 20 cm (8 in) deep.

Radish’s good neighbors

Carrots, zucchini, melons, tomatoes, beetroot, spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, beans, peas, cress, tagetes.

Radish’s bad neighbors

Brassica vegetables, cucumbers, onion.

Diseases and pests

Especially flea beetles, when the plants are still small. Tomato repels them and can be planted between the black radish plants or used as mulch. To repel cabbage fly, plant black radish among tomatoes of pole beans, and water with tobacco infused water. Use garlic juice to strengthen the plants.

Radish’s storage

It needs 90-100 days from sowing to storage. Pick regularly, before the root lignifies. Store in moist sand and it will last till spring.

Food

Use the leaves for juice and the root. It contains a lot of antioxidants and several vitamins and minerals.

Important

If you sow in early spring, cover it with garden fabric to avoid flowering. It can be planted throughout the year, but it is spicier and more prone to flea beetle attack in summer.

Miscellaneous

It is a smaller and faster-growing variety than the black radish. There are several sorts, varying in color, size and form.