Radish: Cherry Belle
KEY
Annual | 7-10 days | FEB-SEP | 40 days
ABOUT
This fast-growing vegetable is recognisable by its beautiful bright red skin and creamy, white flesh. Thought to have originated from Asia, radishes are a vegetable of ancient heritage, enjoyed both by the ancient Greeks and Romans. They may split if left in the ground for too long or when overwatered - however, they are still perfectly edible!
SOWING & PLANTING
🌱 Soil Type: Radish grows best in either loamy or sandy soil.
☀️ Sunlight: Radish plants require at least 6 hours of full sun exposure
🌱 Let sow for 7 to 10 days before moving to a bigger pot or outdoors.
Indoors:
Radish can be sown throughout February to September for a steady harvest during the year. Sow less than 1cm deep and 15x15cm apart. Sprinkle soil on top and water enough so that it is moist but not soaked, making sure the container used has sufficient drainage holes.
When transplanting, keep as much of the root intact as possible and ensure the soil is well prepped. Radish enjoys a neutral pH and low levels of nitrogen.
💚 Care Tip: Throughout the germination period, you can cover the container with cling film to create a mini indoor greenhouse!
Outdoors:
If sowing in the colder months, cover with a cloche to protect from the frost as Radish thrives in warm weather. Use loamy soil and plant in an area with full sun exposure, ensuring that there is enough space to grow.
GROWING & CARE
💧 Water at least once every two days ensuring the soil stays moist and not water logged.
Indoors:
Ensure you water the plant enough to keep the soil moist, especially during the dryer months. Radish needs around 6 full hours of sunlight a day for optimum growth and thrives in consistent conditions. Place on a sunny windowsill or any area with enough sun.
Outdoors:
Be careful of Flea Beetles and slugs as these will damage the leaves of your radish and potentially decrease the quality of the harvest. If this becomes an issue, cover your plant with a horticultural fleece to protect from unwanted insects. Ensure the soil has a neutral pH and sufficient drainage.
COMPANION VARIETIES
Spring Onion
Lettuce
Spinach
Squash
HARVESTING
Radishes grow fairly quickly so be sure to keep an eye out for when they mature. If left in the soil for too long after the optimum harvest period they may split or have a bitter and woody taste. Gently pull, as close to the soil as possible, or loosen the soil surrounding the radish and pick out.
PRESERVING
Radish can be stored in the fridge for around 10-14 days, depending on temperature and size. Another popular way to preserve this plant is to pickle it and store in a jar. Radish can also be frozen or fermented.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Radish is high in calcium, magnesium & potassium as well as vitamins C and K. It is also a great source of fibre making it good for aiding digestion and supporting an overall healthy digestive system.
