Watermelon Radish seeds
This heirloom originated in China and is part of the daikon family. Unlike the daikon, this much smaller compact version packs a similar flavor, but in a smaller package. The watermelon radish earned its name for its resemblance to a watermelon. The exterior is cream color, but the top will be a light green as the sun stimulates the chlorophyll to rise to the surface.
The texture is extremely crisp, and the flesh is wet with a mild flavor, but with a slight spicy-sting that most radishes share. With Watermelon Radishes, you get to delegate the size. They are acceptable to harvest when they are golf ball sized. If you are a bit more patient, they can reach the size of a softball. The flavor will remain the same. Anything past this will render the radish pithy, spongey, and not very tasty.
You can plant this radish (or most radishes) contain a chemical compound (isothiocyanate) which gives radishes their natural pungent profile. This compound also works as a natural pest repellent. This makes this, and other radishes ideal for companion planting as it will help defend the plants that grow around it from a host of pests.
Seed count per pack: 200 seeds
Botanic name:
Raphanus sativus acanthiformis
Plant spacing:
2" - 4" apart
Color:
Light green exterior with fushia-pink interior
Sowing depth:
1/4 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Eaten fresh sliced thin and used on salads or on sandwhiches, pickled, or cooked with butter and salt.
Frost Hardy:
Yes
Maturity days:
55-60 days
Life cycle:
Biennial
Can I start indoors?
No
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Beauty Heart, Rose Heart, Shinrimei, Misato, Asian Red Meat, and Xin Li Mei
