Culture
Best grown in full sun in loamy or sandy soils. Can be seeded directly in two-week intervals between mid-April and the first of May for a spring crop and in the month of August for a fall crop. Radishes become tough and develop a hotter taste as they become older. Harvest when young before radishes bolt and become woody.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Raphanus sativus, commonly called the radishes, have had a long relationship with man. Southern Asia is believed to be the country of origin since truly wild forms have been found there. Middle Asia and India appear to be secondary centers where many different forms developed subsequently. Third-century B.C. Greeks wrote of their radishes, and by 100 A.D., Roman writers described small and large types, mild and biting varieties, and round and long forms. A German botanist in 1544 reported radishes of 100 pounds. Radishes appear to be one of the first European crops introduced into the Americas, closely behind the arrival of Columbus.
Genus name comes from the Latin name, from the Greek word rhaphanis used for this vegetable which has been known from antiquity.
Specific epithet means cultivated.
The common name radish comes from the Latin radix meaning "root".
Problems
Flea beetles can be a problem as well as other pests typically found on Brassicaceae crops. Floating row covers can be very useful.
Uses
The roots can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. The greens are also edible. The young, tender sprouts can be eaten in salads, on sandwiches, or as a side dish.