Content
Watermelon radishes are an unusual hybrid, somewhat similar to radishes, bred in China. The variety has good yields, is little susceptible to diseases and pests, ripens quickly, and contains many vitamins. The main reason for the popularity of the variety was the intriguingly bright appearance of the root crop when cut. Initially it was used to decorate the table, decorate dishes and drinks, and later its taste was appreciated.
What are the benefits of watermelon radish?
Watermelon radish is rich in vitamins B, C, PP and A. It contains a large amount of folic acid, iron, calcium, fluorine, magnesium, as well as dietary fiber necessary for normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, protein and sugar. Magnesium and calcium are important for blood vessels and the heart. The presence of active enzymes and amino acids normalizes metabolic processes in the body, improves appetite, and restores the immune system after winter.
Consumption of watermelon radish in large quantities is contraindicated for people suffering from diseases of the kidneys, liver and digestive system. The irritated mucous membrane will certainly respond with acute pain.
Description of watermelon radish
Watermelon radish is a hybrid of radish and radish.Root vegetables are oblong or round in shape with light green skin and unevenly colored raspberry pulp with small black seeds.
For radishes, the root crops are large, about 8 cm in diameter and weighing 100-200 g. The rosette is erect with dark green, medium-sized leaves jagged along the edges. The scarlet pulp is juicy and slightly spicy. The taste is unusual: the outside is bitter, but the core of the root vegetable is sweet. The bitterness comes from the mustard oil under the skin. And the higher its content in a vegetable, the more bitter it is. Compared to traditional radish varieties, they are firmer and less crunchy.
Main characteristics
The variety is cold-resistant, can withstand frosts down to -6 ºС. The growing season is short, producing several harvests per season. The best temperature for growing watermelon radishes is +23 ºС. The vegetable is moisture-loving - in insufficiently moistened soil, growth is inhibited, it bolts, and root crops become flabby.
As it matures, the intensity of its flavor decreases. The shelf life is short, the energy value of the product is 20 kcal.
Productivity
The yield of watermelon radish is high. If you follow the growing rules, you can get about 10 kg from 1 sq.m. It takes 30 days from germination to full ripening of the root crop. Harvesting is necessary at the moment of full technical maturity, in the evening or early in the morning, preferably in dry weather. After harvesting the radishes, they are left to dry in the beds until the end of the day.
Productivity largely depends on timely and high-quality watering. Violation of the water regime impairs the germination, growth and quality of the crop.The largest harvest of watermelon radishes is harvested when seeds are sown in early July.
Advantages and disadvantages
Watermelon radish, like any other crop, has its advantages and disadvantages.
Positive qualities include:
- cold resistance;
- high productivity;
- resistance to pests and diseases;
- friendly germination;
- rapid ripening of root crops;
- low calorie content.
The disadvantages include the following:
- gradual loss of taste;
- short shelf life.
Rules for planting and care
In greenhouses, watermelon radish seeds can be planted from mid-March. It is very convenient to use egg boxes for sowing.
Sowing in open ground is carried out in May, when the ground warms up to +8+15°C. And then in July and early August. To speed up the germination of seeds, you need to soak them in cold water for a day. It is preferable to sow large seeds.
Watermelon radish loves clay or sandy soils in well-lit but slightly shaded areas by trees or shrubs, since it is a short-day crop. From being in the sun for a long time, it goes to the arrow. If the planting beds are on the sunny side, you need to artificially darken the plant.
The bed for sowing is prepared in the fall. The best predecessors for watermelon radishes are potatoes, tomatoes or cucumbers. It is not recommended to sow it after carrots, beets or cabbage. Compost is added to the soil dug up with a shovel (10 liters per 1 sq.m) and phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, or 4 kg of manure, then the bed is mulched with sawdust or peat and left until spring.
In slightly damp soil, two seeds are planted in a hole, maintaining a distance of about 8 cm between adjacent holes. Watermelon radishes do not tolerate dense plantings, so they may wither and the root vegetables will be tasteless. When forming furrows, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 10-15 cm. The seeds need to be deepened by 2 cm. If you deepen it more, they will germinate later. By filling the holes with soil and watering them with water at room temperature, you can expect seedlings to emerge in 3-4 days.
Features of cultivation
Watermelon radishes are very demanding when it comes to watering. Abundance and regularity of soil moisture is the key to a good and high-quality harvest. It needs to be watered as it dries. To prevent the radishes from drying out, on hot days it is advisable to water the beds twice – in the morning and in the evening. In case of frequent rains, moisturize 2 times a week. The last watering is carried out 5 hours before harvesting, then it will be stored longer.
Uneven irrigation will make the radishes hollow, a lack of moisture will lead to bolting, deterioration of taste and woodiness of the root crop, and fungal diseases will result from waterlogging of the soil.
At first, watermelon radish seedlings need to be loosened every 3-4 days, while removing weeds to provide the roots with access to oxygen. Later, the procedure is carried out after each watering. To retain moisture in the soil, it is advisable to mulch the cultivated land regularly. In addition, mulch will protect crops from overheating on hot days.
When sprouts with three true leaves appear, they need to be thinned out, leaving the strongest ones.
An important point in growing watermelon radishes is the obligatory shading of the crop, otherwise the root crops will be very bitter.
Pests and diseases
Watermelon radishes are considered resistant to diseases and pests, but improper care and unsuitable soil can cause clubroot, downy mildew and blackleg. The first is caused by inappropriate soil acidity. It is determined by the coarseness and ugliness of the root crop, the lack of taste in it. The second occurs from an excess of moisture in the soil. Compliance with the irrigation regime and frequent loosening of the beds will help prevent their occurrence.
Among the pests that can affect watermelon radishes are:
- Wireworm – it damages root crops. If you weed the seedlings in a timely manner, its appearance can be avoided, since the larvae of the pest live on the roots of the weeds.
- Cabbage fly and cruciferous flea beetle feed on leaves and can cause significant harm to radishes at the end of the growing season. You can prevent their occurrence by covering the crops before the formation of the first leaf with a covering material. An infusion of garlic, tomato tops and ash will help get rid of pests that have already settled on the foliage.
Use in cooking
Watermelon radishes can be used to prepare various dishes: vegetable stews, meat and fish dishes, salads.
You can add both the root vegetable and its tops to the salad. The vegetable is baked, stewed, fried, boiled, made into purees, cold soups and okroshka. Cream perfectly emphasizes its unusual taste. The low calorie content of watermelon radish allows it to be used in dietary recipes.
The brightness and beauty of the pulp is the main advantage of the vegetable. It is used for cutting, decorating cocktails, desserts, and sandwiches.Sandwiches with watermelon radishes sprinkled with black salt and sesame seeds look impressive.
Conclusion
Watermelon radish cannot be called an unpretentious crop, but if the conditions of cultivation and care are observed, it produces a large harvest. Its attractive bright pulp and specific taste attract gardeners to experiment. It is versatile in preparation and can be used as a table decoration.
