Radishes

[seedcorn]

one of the most detestable vegetables known to man kind. Tastes like bad pepper (to me), upsets my stomach like no other food does, easy to start but yet, I AM A FAILURE AT IT! Get great tops, puny to no bulb. Get a few but 90%, I kill like a weed. Sown them far apart, close together, broadcast them, planted in neat rows. I could care less but wife likes them..... What am I missing?

 

[Smart Red]

Seedcorn, I am with you here. I see no reason to waste good garden space growing radishes, no reason wasting time weeding the things and no reason to waste water cleaning them for use. However, DH eats the things and so I habitually plant several varieties for his enjoyment.

They are an early spring crop -- one of the earliest I plant -- and they appreciate moderate days and cool night conditions with plenty of moisture. Supposedly, if you get them to grow quickly they will taste . . um. . .better? I often use them as row markers for any seeds that are slow to germinate. That way I get a few radishes and I have an idea where the row is while waiting for seedlings to come up.

If you do plant them in summer's heat, you must be prepared to water, water, water so they grow and bulb quickly. Just what I've heard --

What varieties have you tried? I find that French breakfast doesn't get that sharp taste too quickly. There are several red globe varieties. I can't remember which ones work for me. I do know that really good garden soil will cause the radish plant to expend its energy in top growth and the roots will not bulb up properly.

 

[seedcorn]

Thanks, never considered my rocky sand as good. (Got spoiled growing up in black Illinois soil).

Mainly plant the red globe types. I also use them as row markers as that is all they are good for.....

 

[digitS']

I once planted radish in the shade thinking they would appreciate it for a late sowing. They grew great tops but never made bulbs.

Sown early, they don't have too many problems ... if the flea beetles leave them alone. That is too much to ask of a flea beetle, however. The radish nearly always need to be sprayed or they are hot, hot, hot! ... and misshapen, often.

I used to think that radish were impossible for me to eat but it was just that only the ones that grow quickly and unmolested are worth eating. Cherry Belle and Cherriette have done well in my garden.

Steve

 

[seedcorn]

Even early, mine are miserable. It's been cool and wet, still miserable. So far 5 decent (loose grading on curve ) out of more than I can count sown.

What made the first person ever bite into one and say "this is good eats"?

 

[digitS']

Well now, don't you like mustard on your hot dog, Seed'?

sauerkraut on your Reuben?

horseradish on your roast beef?

sliced radishes on your fresh butter and homemade bread?

Steve

 

[thistlebloom]

Happily dh can no longer eat them without getting a belly ache. So I'm off the hook.

 

[journey11]

All they need is LOVE.

Try them baked with other mixed veggies, a little butter, some seasoning (we like creole). Takes the heat right out of them and makes them sweet and yummy.

 

[seedcorn]

All they need is LOVE.

Try them baked with other mixed veggies, a little butter, some seasoning (we like creole). Takes the heat right out of them and makes them sweet and yummy.

Never heard of baking them.

@digitS' yes to all but radishes on fresh made bread? Shudder at that.....

 

[majorcatfish]

will plant them in spring and fall like @journey11 said bake them or roast them with some potatoes
good stuff..