Half-long Apolo Radish - Vilmorin seeds

The 'Apollo' 1/2 long radish is a variety that produces semi-long radishes, with a bright red colour and a large white tip, which do not become pungent.

The radish is a fairly hardy annual or biennial vegetable plant. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and its raw root is mainly consumed, as well as its freshly picked leaves that enhance soups. There are radishes of different colours, from red for the most common ones, but also pink, white, or grey. They are generally classified into 2 main types: monthly radishes, represented by varieties with small roots, and winter radishes, represented by varieties with long roots.

Japanese radishes or "daikon" radishes are also found, which have a long, white, and conical root, sometimes marketed as turnips. Winter radishes have a large taproot with a black, pink, or purple skin. Its flesh is white. Its leaves are green and divided, forming a compact tuft at the base of the plant. Its taste is much stronger than that of monthly radishes. With a pungent flavour, it can be enjoyed cooked, like turnips, or raw, like carrots. Winter radishes have many virtues: they contain vitamin C and sulphur, as well as phosphorus and magnesium. They are anti-scorbutic and diuretic and are recommended for people suffering from liver and gallbladder problems.

Harvesting and storage:

The harvest of monthly and summer radishes takes place 4 to 6 weeks after sowing. Harvests should be regular as soon as the radishes are formed, without letting them grow too big, to limit the risk of them becoming hollow, pungent, or indigestible. Monthly or summer radishes should be consumed quickly. The freshly harvested leaves can be cooked into a delicious soup.

The harvest of winter radishes takes place 4 to 5 months after sowing. Harvest by gently lifting with a fork-spade and let them dry on the ground before bringing them in. If they remain in the ground during winter, cover the soil with straw.

The gardener's tip:

Sow radishes and carrots on the same row and at the same time, which naturally separates the carrot seeds. Once the radish harvest is done, it will leave space for the carrots to grow. Accompanied by mint, radishes will be less prone to attacks from flea beetles, insects that feed on the leaves and create small irregular holes.

To have crunchy radishes throughout the season, it is good to spread out the sowings every 2 to 3 weeks, in your garden or in pots.