Raphanus sativus Seeds | Sparkler Radish
LATIN NAME: Raphanus sativus
COMMON NAME: Sparkler Radish
Plant Profile
Sparkler Radish (Raphanus sativus) grows as a low, fast-growing, annual in the cabbage family. Radish sets its round, bright-red roots just under soil, with lobed leaves above, and the whole plant stands in the neat, quick rows. It is a plant of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained ground. Its flowers draw a steady traffic of bees and other beneficial insects. For the small amount of care it requires, the return is remarkable.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Raphanus sativus ranges from the botany of the cabbage family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Sparkler Radish works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Radish is a fine, generous plant of kitchen garden and study collection. It is a fine, generous plant of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist, well-drained garden. Sow in cool months for crisp roots, and rows will come fast. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Radish is a digestive food-herb of East Asia, its seed, Lai Fu Zi, a classical Chinese herb for food stagnation and phlegm; daikon is famed as the enzyme-rich accompaniment to fried foods.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Sparkler Radish, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. A spell of cool, moist conditions ahead of sowing brings the seed along nicely and supports even germination. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Given the right start, Sparkler Radish is a long-term garden companion. A cool, moist period before sowing prepares the seed well; care after that is routine.
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