This old heirloom is considered an antique horticultural treasure from China. Watermelon radishes are quite large, growing to about 3 inches in diameter, with a classic ball shape and a unique colour pattern. The exterior is creamy white with deep green shoulders, and a vibrant red-rose center is revealed when sliced, giving it an outstandingly stylish presentation. The flavour is sweet and mild, yet slightly spicy and peppery-like. Watermelon radishes thrive best in cooler conditions, so opt for an early spring crop or sow in late summer for a fall harvest. A unique radish that is sure to stand out in the garden and on the table!

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Radishes might be the most rapidly growing garden crop. They thrive in the cool, with early spring and late fall plantings. Make sure the soil is light, loose and fluffy and growing radishes will be a breeze.

Select a site that receives full sun. Direct sow in the spring 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Seeds should be 2 cm deep, 2 cm apart, 30 cm in between rows. Successively plant seeds every 10 days to have a continual harvest through the cool months. In the fall, seeds can be planted 4-6 weeks before the first frost.

At about a week from germination, thin radishes to 5 cm apart. Sneak a row of radishes in between rows of beets or carrots as a companion to these slower growing root crops. Apply a thin covering of mulch over the row of sprouted roots. Keep the soil evenly moist and radishes will grow quickly.

Most radishes will be ready to be picked from 21-30 days. Do not wait longer than that, overripe roots quickly turn inedible. Radishes should be about 3 cm in diameter at the soil level. Pull a couple out to sample before harvesting a whole row. Cut the tops and root tails, wash, dry completely and store in a container in the fridge.

Enjoy radishes raw and add their zip to your salad, or, try making a batch of wonderfully pungent pickles. There are a wide variety of radishes that all grow eagerly. They are reliable, grow quickly and provide an abundant supply with little effort. Be bold as the root itself, and experiment with some of the different shapes, sizes, colours and flavours!

QUICK FACTS

- The radish was first domesticated in Asia thousands of years ago. This fast-growing, cool-season crop was first cultivated in Europe by the ancient Greeks and the Romans. Radish was one of the first crops to be brought to America in the 1500s.

- Their fast harvest cycle makes them particularly suitable for children's gardens.

- Radish seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.