Latin Name: Raphanus sativus

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 2,500

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 9 Inches

Color: Red

Cherry Belle is the most popular open pollinated round red radish variety! This variety grows quickly and is soon 1.5" in diameter with crisp firm-white flesh. This variety is resistant to pithiness and matures in just 25 days. A great vegetable to grow in your garden and serve fresh in salads!

Radishes, in their early forms, come from the ancient civilizations of China, Greece, and Egypt; soon, surrounding nations also cultivated this vegetable. While the Oriental nations cultivated the large, elongated radishes, most of the more delicate round varieties such as the Cherry Belle radish were developed by the Dutch and the French. Cherry Belle radishes won the prestigious AAS Award in 1949.

GROWING INFORMATION

Sowing:

Direct sow the first crop of Cherry Belle red radish seeds in rich soil, about four weeks before the last expected spring frost. Plant them in deeply worked up soil about 1/2" deep and 1" apart; later, thin the seedlings 2-3" apart or more for larger radishes. For a continuous harvest, plant a new crop every two weeks. Since most radishes do not tolerate heat well, it is best to avoid planting them in the heat of midsummer. For a fall crop and winter storage, plant red radish seeds about two months before the first expected fall frost.

Growing:

Radishes do well with consistently moist soil and the addition of organic matter such as compost. Do not allow the soil to dry out, but also avoid overwatering as this can cause splitting.

Harvesting:

This variety tastes best when harvested at 1" in diameter. Cherry Belle radishes are very sweet and crisp, do not grow woody, and store well in the refrigerator.

Seed Saving:

Radishes will cross pollinate with all other varieties of radish, and must be isolated by at least half a mile from other varieties to protect genetic purity. Allow the radish plant to fully mature and send up a flowering stalk; the pods will form and turn from green to brown. Pick the brown pods and allow them to dry for several days. Thresh out the seeds by opening the pods by hand, or by applying pressure to crush them. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to five years.