Rave Zlata Radish

The Zlata Turnip Radish is a variety of radish that can be grown all year round, originally from the Czech Republic. It has a round and regular root with a thin skin and a bright yellow color. Its white flesh has a unique lemony and peppery flavor. Sow from March to August and harvest from May to October.

The radish is a hardy annual or biennial vegetable plant, belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The root is mainly consumed raw, but the freshly picked leaves can also be used in soups or stews. Radishes come in different colors, with red being the most common, but they can also be pink, white, or gray. They are generally classified into two main types: monthly radishes, which are represented by varieties with small roots, and turnip radishes, represented by varieties with long roots.
Japanese radishes, or "daikon," are also available, with long white and conical roots, sometimes sold as turnips. Winter radishes have large taproots with black, pink, or purple skin. The flesh is white, and the leaves are green and serrated, forming a compact tuft at the base of the plant. Winter radishes have a much stronger taste than monthly radishes. They can be eaten cooked, like turnips, or raw, like carrots. Winter radishes have many virtues: they contain vitamin C and sulfur, as well as phosphorus and magnesium. They are anti-scorbutic and diuretic, and are recommended for people with liver and gallbladder problems.

Harvesting and storage

Monthly and summer radishes can be harvested 4 to 6 weeks after sowing. It is important to harvest them regularly as soon as they are formed, without letting them grow too large, to avoid them becoming hollow, pungent, or indigestible. Monthly and summer radishes should be consumed quickly. The freshly harvested leaves can be cooked into a delicious soup.

Turnip radishes can be harvested 4 to 5 months after sowing. Gently lift them with a fork-spade and let them dry on the ground before bringing them in. If they are left in the ground for the winter, cover the soil with straw.

Gardening tips

Sowing radishes and carrots in the same row and at the same time naturally separates the carrot seeds. Once the radishes are harvested, there will be space for the carrots to grow. Planting mint alongside radishes helps to reduce attacks from flea beetles, insects that feed on the leaves and create small irregular holes. To have crispy radishes throughout the season, it is good to spread out the sowings every 2 to 3 weeks in your garden or in containers.

Untreated or "NT" seeds come from conventionally grown plants (often using pesticides), but they do not undergo any treatment after harvest. These seeds are allowed in organic market gardening when organic seeds are out of stock.