Rose d'hiver de Chine Radish

The Chinese Winter Pink Radish is a variety of winter radish that produces a large elongated root, measuring 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in), in a vibrant pink color. Its white flesh is firm, spicy, and crunchy. It has excellent winter storage capabilities. Sow from June to August. Harvest from September to November.

The radish is a fairly hardy annual or biennial vegetable plant, belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The root is mainly consumed raw, while the freshly picked leaves are also used in soups or stews. There are radishes of different colors, ranging from the common red ones to pink, white, or gray. They are generally classified into two main types: the monthly radishes, represented by varieties with small roots, and the radish turnips, represented by varieties with long roots.
Japanese radishes, known as "daikon," also exist. They have a long white conical root and are sometimes sold as turnips. Winter radishes have a large taproot with a black, pink, or purple skin. The flesh is white, and the leaves are green and deeply cut, forming a compact tuft at the base of the plant. They have a much stronger taste than monthly radishes. With a spicy flavor, they can be enjoyed 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

The monthly radishes and summer radishes are harvested 4 to 6 weeks after sowing. Regular harvests, as soon as the radishes are formed, without letting them grow too large, help 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 radish turnips takes place 4 to 5 months after sowing. Harvest by gently lifting with a garden fork and let them dry on the ground before bringing them indoors. If they remain in the ground during 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, it will leave space for the carrots to grow. Planting mint alongside radishes will help to reduce attacks from flea beetles, insects that feed on the leaves and create small irregular holes.
To have crunchy radishes throughout the season, it is advisable to spread out the sowings every 2 to 3 weeks in your garden or in containers.

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