Raphanus sativus

Cultivation

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

Distance between plants

At least 30 cm (12 in) between rows. Thin the plants in a row out to 15 cm (6 in) distance.

Location

Half-shaded.

Amount

Up to 10 plants per person.

Time of planting

February-April, and July-mid August. The seeds germinate in 7 to 10 days.

Fertilization

Don’t fertilize, but plant where it was fertilized previously.

Watering

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

Black radish’s good neighbors

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

Black radish ‘s bad neighbors

Brassica vegetables, cucumbers, onions.

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.

Black 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.

Miscellaneous

There are many varieties of radishes, different in color, size and form.