The radishes stand out as champions in growth speed in the garden. Furthermore, its particular spiciness does not go unnoticed in salads all year round.

Although their origin has not been conclusively determined, it is believed that the small varieties originated in the Mediterranean basin, and the larger ones, in the Far East.

Varieties of radishes

The radishes (Raphanus sativus var. sativus) are annual plants that have a thick, fleshy root that is very variable in shape, color and size.

Radishes are classified by their growing season: summer or winter, and by the shape of the root: round, long and semi-long. The flowers are white or yellow, with 4 petals, and are arranged in terminal clusters.

He fruit is the typical silique of the Brassicaseas family to which they belong. The seeds are housed inside it, round in shape and about 3 mm in diameter.

How to plant radishes: tips

These are the basic steps to planting, growing and harvesting radishes.

Before sowing the radishes

Radishes germinate quickly, 4 to 7 daysgaining speed even over adventitious plants. However, for them to develop better, it is advisable to prevent them from competing for space.

You can easily solve it by preparing the site where you will plant the radishes, but without placing the seeds. Water and wait for the adventitious plants to appear. This waiting time may vary from region to region, it may even be different from your neighbor’s garden. When these little plants already have one or two pairs of leaves, you tear them off and take them to the compost. So you already have the soil free of adventitiousapplying “time and organization” instead of herbicides.

How to plant radishes?

Radishes can be planted all year round.. Scatter the seeds «broadcast» or in lines to a depth of 0.5 to 1 cm. Doing it online is the most organized way for home consumption. sow by sections of 0.5 m and staggered every 15 days. This strategy will guarantee you very juicy and crunchy radishes.

Mark a furrow, moisten the bottom and apply compost. On this bed, put the seeds and cover. Avoid placing them too close together, since each plant will need a vital space for development.

Leave a separation of 10 cm between radishes. At this stage you must be watch out for attacks by slugs and snails. A physical barrier of crushed eggshells arranged on the ground can be effective.

It is not advisable to sow them in a seedbed. and then transplants, since the roots could grow deformed.

Well stored, The seeds have a viability of 5 years.

how to care for radishes so that they come out good

The flavor of radish is related to temperature. He excess heat during cultivation is reflected in excessively spicy radishes.

On the other hand, during the colder months, the roots generate sugars as an antifreeze; hence winter radishes are sweeter.

When to harvest radishes?

In the temperate and warm months, After 20 or 30 days you will see the radishes at the base of the plant by clearing the earth that covers them with your fingertips. In some varieties, the roots literally «emerge» from the ground. This will make it easier for you to recognize when to harvest.

To do it, Take the plant from the base with your open hand and remove the entire stem.. If the soil is compacted, using a hand shovel will prevent the roots from breaking.

Other Basic care of radishes

These are the essential keys to good care of radishes:

• Floor: fluffy, well worked, loamy and rich in humus.
• Light: They prefer exposure to full sun, although they tolerate some partial shade.
• Irrigation: frequent and regular so that they form compact, turgid and healthy roots.
• Associations: grow them with slow growing plants like carrots, parsley or fennel; This way they are harvested earlier and there is no lack of space.