Growing Unusual and Colourful Winter Radishes

Posted on 28. Aug, 2010 by Tracey in How To Grow Veg

I’ve got a few gaps in my vegetable plot where the last of my beetroot and carrots will be harvested from this week (when I can dodge the heavy rain), so I’ve been trawling the vegetable seed websites for something unique and exciting. So that in the darkest of miserable winter when I harvest it I will be overjoyed and have a number of different vegetables to look forward to. Here’s my first results for Winter Radishes.

A Quick Introduction to Winter Radishes

Winter Radishes are larger than summer radishes usually up to 4inches in diameter (tennis ball size), they can survive the cold, harsh winters and stand well in the ground. They can be sown from July onwards and harvested from October onwards.

Winter Radish seeds can be sown in modules and planted out before the roots start swelling or sown direct into the ground. They germinate in 7 – 10 days in 15 – 20 degrees centigrade (60-70 F) temperatures. Winter Radishes can be eaten raw or cooked like swede or potato, boil or roast them to gain great flavours in stews, casseroles or soups.

‘Red Flesh’ Mild Tricolour Radish

‘Red Flesh’ Tricolour Radish

For the brightest reddy pink flesh and green outside glow, try this unique japanese winter radish from Real Seeds.
Its taste is very mild and can be grown in the coldest of winters, cooked or eaten raw.

Where to Buy – UK: Real Seeds.co.uk

Sow: July to September
Harvest: October to February

‘Hilds Blauer Herbst’ Radish

This unusual dark purple radish from Germany with crisp white flesh can be eaten raw. It has long tapered roots and is perfect for storing for long periods.

Where to Buy – UK: Mr Fothergills
Where to Buy – USA: Gourmet Seeds

Sow: May to August
Harvest: July to November

‘Black Spanish Round’ Radish

‘Black Spanish’ Radish

An unusual black skinned with white flesh round radish. This is an heirloom variety from the 18th century and is fairly hot. This variety can be eaten raw and cooked.

Where to Buy – UK: The Organic Gardening Catalogue
Where to Buy – USA: Reimer Seeds

Sow: July to August
Harvest: October to February

‘Mantanghong’ Radish

A globe shaped winter radish bred in Britain with greeny white skin and a striking magenta flesh. It has a mild, sweet and nutty flavour and can survive in cold weather.

Where to Buy – UK: Suttons Seeds
Where to Buy – USA: Gourmet Seeds
Sow: June to August
Harvest: October to February

‘Munchen Bier’ Radish

The large white root of this winter radish is quite hot. However the main attraction of this variety is the green pods that grow in amongst the leaves, these can be added to stir fries to add a spicy undertone to your meals.

Where to Buy – UK: Sutton Seeds
Where to Buy – USA: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Sow: February to September
Harvest: May to October

‘Chinese Green Luobo’ Radish

A long rare radish from North China which has unique green skin and flesh. It has a great resistance to diseases and thrives in cold weather. The taste is moderately hot and is also known by the name Qingluobo.

Where to Buy – USA: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Sow: August to September
Harvest: October to February