Seed tape radish all-year Lada, 5m

Raphanus sativus - Lada

Radish is a root vegetable originating from Japan. It is characterised by its distinctive taste and is undemanding to grow. Its piquant flavour comes from mustard oil, which has a beneficial effect on digestion. Radishes contain large amounts of vitamin C and folic acid. They also contain calcium, sulphur, carotene, potassium and vitamin B. Radishes have antibacterial properties, destroy fungi in the intestines, mucous membranes and stomach, lower cholesterol, loosen mucus when coughing, eliminate constipation and counteract flatulence. Moreover, they are suitable for diets as they contain minimal fat. In the kitchen, they are very popular. They are best consumed fresh, for example in salads or spreads.

How to Grow Radishes

• For early sowing in open ground, it is advisable to choose sunny locations; for summer growing, rather shaded ones. Water radishes both morning and evening. To prevent the bulbs from cracking, it is advisable to limit fluctuations in soil moisture through watering. During the growing season, remove weeds from radish beds and hoe them carefully.

• Spring sowing in beds is carried out as soon as the soil dries. Sow in rows spaced 15-20 cm apart and to a depth of 1 cm. After emergence and formation of cotyledon leaves, thin out to 3-4 cm spacing.

  Radishes can be pre-grown in a heated greenhouse or cold frame from February. In this case, sow in rows spaced approximately 10 cm apart. Also thin out the plants after emergence.

• For growing radishes, permeable, light to medium-heavy, deeply worked soil that is rich in humus and has sufficient soil moisture is suitable.

• Do not fertilise radishes with farmyard manure. They would accumulate nitrates, which are dangerous to the human body. Do not fertilise radishes during the growing season. It is advisable to use them as a pre-crop.

• In overcrowded sowings, there is a risk of attack by the fungal disease of seedling necks known as damping off. The affected neck turns brown and the seedlings die. Establish sparse sowing and maintain only moderate moisture.

  Cracking of bulbs is associated with irregular watering, which occurs, for example, during rainfall after a prolonged dry period.

  Root flies, whose larvae form tunnels in root heads, are a significant pest of radishes. Non-woven fabric will prevent root flies from laying eggs on radish root necks. For chemical protection, Sumithion Super is suitable. Regular watering also prevents attack by flea beetles, which nibble on leaves.

• Harvest radishes as needed when they are mature. Maturity is recognised by the size of the bulb.