Radishes originated in China, and quickly spread to the Mediterranean region. In China, truly wild forms of radish can still be found.
Radishes were one of the first European crops introduced to America by the Spaniards in the early 1600s. Radish populations in the U.S. started in the Northeast and gradually moved west.
The name, radish, comes from the Latin word, radix, which means “root”. Radishes are an annual root vegetable and a member of the Brassicaceae or cabbage family
Planting
Seeds can be planted in both the spring and the fall, but sowing should be suspended when warm temperatures arrive. Can be planted anywhere there is an empty space. They make excellent companion plants and are often grown in between rows of other vegetables such as carrots or beets. For spring planting, sow seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. For a fall crop, sow seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the first fall frost.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a radish starts with the seeds. Best grown in cool temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Radish seeds germinate in four to 10 days. During the early seedling stage, root growth mostly occurs through elongation. About 10 days after germination, true leaves appear and root tuberisation initiates, called the rosette stage.
Radishes reach maturity and can be harvested in 21 to 35 days depending on the climate.
Types of Radish
Red Radish (table radish) - This is the most common radish. It has bright red skin and white flesh. They have a crisp, peppery flavor.
Horseradish: Horseradish is an oblong radish with light brown skin and white flesh. It has a very sharp, spicy flavor.
Black Spanish radish: This radish has dark skin and white flesh, and a sharp flavor.
Easter Egg radish: Easter Egg radishes are small and round. These mild radishes come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, and purple.
White icicle radish: This white radish is long and thin with a spicy flavor.
Pests
Flea beetles are common pests found on many vegetable crops. These beetles chew irregular holes in the leaves. Severe flea beetle damage can result in wilted or stunted plants.
Flea beetles can be kept away from crops by planting strongly-scented plants such as catnip, sage, mint, or hyssop nearby.
Nutritional Benifites/Taste
Radishes are used to treat illnesses such as sore throat, bile disorders, and inflammation in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Additionally, Radish contains glucosinolates which protect your cells from the genetic mutations that can cause cancer. Radish is also extremely hydrating and contains high levels of vitamin C which is very beneficial for the skin.
Radishes taste sharp and spicy this is because they are high in nutrients.
Fun Fact
An annual event held on December 23 in Oaxaca, Mexico, called the Night of the Radishes (Spanish: Noche de Rábanos), is a Christmastime festival dedicated to the carving of oversized radishes to create scenes that compete for prizes in various categories.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rebeccadru/11552380863
References
https://www.ehow.com/about_5384328_radish-life-cycles.html
https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/radish/
https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/radish-plant-growing-cycle-18072867.php
https://thishealthytable.com/blog/types-of-radishes/https://
https://harvesting-history.com/the-radish/#:~:text=Radishes%20originated%20in%20China%2C%20and,which%20means%20%E2%80%9Ceasily%20reared%E2%80%9D.
https://www.almanac.com/plant/radishes
https://s3.lite.msu.edu/res/msu/botonl/b_online/schaugarten/RaphanussativusLvarsativus/Salad_Radish.html
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/flea-beetles
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/a-uniquely-oaxacan-festival-night-of-the-radishes/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4650646/#:~:text=The%20vegetative%20growth%20of%20radish,%2C%20seedling%2C%20rosette%20and%20maturity.
Credits:
Created with images by yaroshenko - "Summer harvested red radish. Growing organic vegetables. Large bunch of raw fresh juicy garden radish on dark boards ready to eat. The top view. Flat lay." • Atlas - "Fresh red radish on white background, space for text"