Radish

RADISH – An annual herb (Rap/mutts &aims) grown for its crisp-fleshed roots of various sizes, shapes and colors; and, in the case of the rat-tailed or aerial radish, for its long, soft, thick pods which are pickled or used as a salad. Root radishes are of three classes ; (1) Small, globular, or oblong spring varieties, white, pink or red in color, which reach edible size in from 3 to 5 weeks; (2) somewhat larger, oblong or slender, pink or white summer varieties that stand hot weather well; and (3) white or black winter varieties that require cool conditions, grow to large (sometimes enormous) size and are used fresh or stored like turnips. Small radishes are invariably eaten raw as a relish; the larger kinds are occasionally boiled and served like turnips.

To be crisp, mild and of the best quality radishes should grow rapidly and be used as soon as large enough. This means frequent small sowings which fit well into the garden scheme as inter-plantings between larger, slower growing crops and also to mark rows of seed which start slowly. Forcing radishes may be grown an inch or two apart in rows only 6 or 8 in. apart; the larger kinds need up to 12 in. or more between the rows and correspondingly more space between the plants. Before planting sift out and discard small, light seeds. Make successional sowings every week or so, first in the hotbed from late winter until early spring; then outdoors until late spring, using the summer sorts for the later plantings.

After midsummer sow the large winter kinds which become hard, stringy and strong-flavored if started in hot weather. Dug before frost and stored in a cool place, these will keep for several weeks. For use, peel and cut the tender, crisp roots lengthwise in thin slices.

A white rust occurring on many crucifers is most serious on radish, causing prominent white blisters on the leaves and the thickened and distorted stems. Spraying is not usually justified, but crop rotation, cultivating to keep down cruciferous weeds and burning of all infected crop refuse are advisable preventive measures against this and other radish troubles, which are chiefly those discussed under CRUCIFER. The most common insects are plant lice, the cabbage root maggot and flea beetles. The maggot may be kept out of small plantings by screening the bed ; or corrosive sublimate (which see) may he applied in a stream along the rows.

Horse-radish is Arinoracia rnsticana.

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