Content
Java radish is a new type of everyone's favorite spring vegetable, the main difference of which is the absence of a root vegetable. Radishes have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, so it is important for every summer resident to learn as much information as possible about this new product in vegetable growing.
What are the benefits of green radish?
Javan radish is no less useful vegetable than the usual varieties. It contains many minerals and vitamins that the human body requires. In addition, it has the following beneficial properties:
- improves bowel function;
- suppresses pathogenic microflora;
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- has a beneficial effect on the condition of the joints;
- helps improve immunity.
Description of Java Radish
Radish is a very exotic crop that grows on the island of Java. An adult plant is completely covered with serpentine pods, for which the crop is grown.
In its homeland (tropical climate), Java radish can reach the size of a small tree, on the branches of which hang pods that look like snake tails. Their length varies within 60 cm, although sometimes it can reach a whole meter. Due to the appearance of the pods, the vegetable received several associative names - snake radish, tree radish, tailed radish and rat tail.
In the local climate, the pods grow more modest - only 12 - 15 cm. They taste similar to ordinary red radishes, but the main difference is the presence of a spicy taste, unlike any other vegetable.
Main characteristics
This vegetable species has several varieties that differ in color and pod size. There are long and short green and purple (pointy) pods that can grow straight or twist in the shape of a snake. Each bush produces more than 40 pods.
Java radishes can be sown as seedlings or planted in open ground. The timing and rules of planting are practically no different from planting conventional varieties. It can tolerate light frosts, but is extremely susceptible to various pests.
Productivity
The first fruits of the exotic leguminous vegetable can be observed already in mid-summer. They still don’t taste too much like regular radishes and have more neutral notes. As they ripen, the pods become denser, thicker and crispier. A characteristic spicy taste also appears in them. The fruits are actively used in the preparation of salads, as an additional ingredient for okroshka, for individual marinades and preservation, frying and simply eating raw. A pod with a diameter of 10 mm at the base is considered ideal.
In addition to the legume component of the plant, radish flowers can also be eaten.
It is best to collect the pods from the middle and lower parts of the bushes, and the tops are pinched. In this case, the branches that have already borne fruit will begin to produce side shoots, which will also bear fruit. If drying stems are detected, all pods must be cut off.
Each bush produces at least 40 pods, and the harvest can be harvested from mid-summer until autumn. The main condition for a good harvest is fertile soil and the presence of free space for growth, because from a small seed whole shrubs grow, branching in different directions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Java radish is a vegetable crop that is not yet familiar to all gardeners. It has its advantages and disadvantages, like any other plant.
The advantages of the bean variety include the following:
- good yield;
- high germination;
- versatility of application;
- unpretentiousness in cultivation;
- taste qualities.
The only disadvantages that can be noted are that Java radish is susceptible to various diseases and pest attacks, and also that you cannot buy the seeds of this vegetable in every store.
Rules for planting and care
In order for the serpentine radish to produce a good harvest, it is necessary to properly prepare for its planting. There are no fundamental differences with planting ordinary varieties, so even a novice gardener can cope with this process.
Recommended timing
Because radishes are an early vegetable that can be planted as soon as the snow begins to grow. If you plant Java radishes under film, then the optimal sowing time is March-April. When planting through seedlings in open ground, planting is carried out in mid-to-late April.
Selecting a location and preparing beds
The leguminous representative of this vegetable crop loves light. Therefore, the site for planting it must be in an open area. Winds and drafts are not terrible for vegetables, but an increased amount of moisture can cause many diseases. Therefore, the place for radishes must be chosen taking into account its needs.
Like all vegetables, radishes are responsive to fertile, light soil. Good soil is the key to a rich harvest. Therefore, before planting Java radish, it is necessary to fertilize the soil with mineral components and organic matter. It is best to fertilize before winter by pouring a 5-centimeter layer of fresh manure onto the selected area.
Landing algorithm
Radishes can be grown either from seeds or seedlings.
First option:
- On the 20th of March, sow radish seeds in prepared containers.
- Moisturize.
- Cover with film.
- After 5 days, the first shoots should appear, then the film can be removed.
- Watering the seedlings is carried out as the soil dries.
- In early or mid-April (you need to rely on climatic conditions and the planting location - open ground or greenhouse) you can plant seedlings.
- You need to plant bushes at a distance of about 15 - 20 cm from each other.
Second option:
- A day before sowing, soak the seeds of the Javanese legume in warm water on gauze.
- Sow seeds into the prepared furrows, trying to maintain the required interval (you can use sticky tape).
- Sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top.
- Lightly tamp down.
- Water.
If sowing is carried out in early spring, then the bed is covered with film. When the threat of frost has passed, the shelter may not be used.
Growing Capsicum Radish
After sowing, radishes require some care, which is no different from caring for the usual varieties of this crop.
- When the first sprouts of the Java radish appear (after 5 - 10 days), the plant needs to be watered.
- It is immediately necessary to prepare a support on which the grown bushes will be tied in the future. This can be done using ordinary wooden pegs.
- After 20 days, you can add urea diluted in water (1 glass of urea per 10 liters).
- When weeds appear, they must be removed manually. Using a hoe can damage the fragile root system.
- Watering the Java legume should be done as the soil dries out. If it rains periodically, the plant does not need additional moisture.
- The bush should form 50 - 60 days after the first shoots appear. At this moment the plant begins to bloom. For better formation of ovaries, it is necessary to fertilize the soil with any organic means.
- During the formation of the fruits, you should not overwater the radishes so that the pods do not gain excess moisture.
- When the branches begin to dry, all the pods are cut off. They can be dried to produce their own seed material.
Pests and diseases
Capsicum radish, which looks like a powerful tree in the photo, is susceptible to a number of diseases and pest attacks. The most dangerous for the Javanese legume vegetable are:
- A midge that makes holes in the leaves. It is dangerous for young seedlings, but after flowering it does not pose a danger to the plant.
- Aphid. It is often responsible for the death of cabbage and radishes.
- Horsefly.
- Medvedka.
- Rot and other diseases characteristic of ordinary radishes.
You can get rid of the problems that have arisen using both specialized means and traditional methods. The most effective of these is to treat the Javan pod plant with fresh wood ash. You can simply sprinkle the bush or spread the ash with water and thoroughly water the soil.
Use in cooking
Java radish is a versatile fruit. It can be used in the following areas:
- Roasting. The small pods, fried in oil, look like crispy, juicy peppers with a unique spicy flavor.
- Fresh use. Radishes can be added to many salads or cut to add to okroshka.
- Salting and marinating. Pickling the pods will help preserve the vitamin-rich vegetable throughout the winter.
- As a side dish for meat dishes.
Conclusion
Java radish is an exotic vegetable that is only gaining popularity in the country. Many gardeners are wary of the heat-loving plant, so they are afraid to plant it in local climatic conditions. But reviews from those who have already tried to grow green radishes indicate that the crop is very unpretentious.
