Black Spanish Round Radish Seeds

Originally native to China, where wild forms of radishes can still be found today, Black Spanish Round radish was among the first variety of vegetables to be imported along the Silk Road. Also known as ‘’Noir Gros Rond d’Hiver,’’ this variety has been cultivated since the 1400s in Europe and the 1600s in America. Black Spanish Round is the perfect candidate for late-summer and fall plantings, ideal for successive sowings every couple of weeks. It is preferred to other varieties for its exceptional winter storage properties, as it will stay fresh all winter when stored in wet sand.

This winter-hardy heirloom has distinctive deep black skin and crisp, creamy-white flesh. Black Spanish Round radishes grow into the shape of small turnips, averaging 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Beware that the tops get quite tall and considering the large size of this variety, make sure to allow more spacing than regular red spring radishes. The taste of Black Spanish Round is mildly spicy and sweet, with a sharp classic radish flavour. Excellent for use fresh in salads or dipped in hummus, they can also be roasted or sautéed among other preparations. Check out this unusual healthy recipe for black radish chips: https://www.akitchenhoorsadventures.com/black-radish-chips/

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Radishes might be the most rapidly growing garden crop. They thrive in the cool, with early spring and late fall plantings. Make sure the soil is light, loose and fluffy and growing radishes will be a breeze.

Select a site that receives full sun. Direct sow in the spring 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Seeds should be 2 cm deep, 2 cm apart, 30 cm in between rows. Successively plant seeds every 10 days to have a continual harvest through the cool months. In the fall, seeds can be planted 4-6 weeks before the first frost.

At about a week from germination, thin radishes to 5 cm apart. Sneak a row of radishes in between rows of beets or carrots as a companion to these slower growing root crops. Apply a thin covering of mulch over the row of sprouted roots. Keep the soil evenly moist and radishes will grow quickly.

Most radishes will be ready to be picked from 21-30 days. Do not wait longer than that, overripe roots quickly turn inedible. Radishes should be about 3 cm in diameter at the soil level. Pull a couple out to sample before harvesting a whole row. Cut the tops and root tails, wash, dry completely and store in a container in the fridge.

Enjoy radishes raw and add their zip to your salad, or, try making a batch of wonderfully pungent pickles. There are a wide variety of radishes that all grow eagerly. They are reliable, grow quickly and provide an abundant supply with little effort. Be bold as the root itself, and experiment with some of the different shapes, sizes, colours and flavours!

QUICK FACTS

- The radish was first domesticated in Asia thousands of years ago. This fast-growing, cool-season crop was first cultivated in Europe by the ancient Greeks and the Romans. Radish was one of the first crops to be brought to America in the 1500s.

- Their fast harvest cycle makes them particularly suitable for children's gardens.

- Radish seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.