Black Spanish Radish Seeds For Planting (Raphanus sativus) 500 Seeds Per Pack

The Black Spanish Radish (also known as Noir Gros de Paris) is a plant of the cruciferous family, and is an Heirloom crop. It is a hardy annual as well. It has been used for generations as both a food and for medicinal purposes. For hundreds of years Radishes have been used as a traditional remedy for gallbladder problems, impaired bile function and digestive problems in China and Europe. For this reason, scientists and doctors alike have given the Black Spanish Radish a lot of attention. In addition, there are potential liver-detoxifying properties that come from the taproot of this radish. It induces detoxification enzymes in tested liver cancer cell lines.

With gorgeous black skin and a white internal flesh, the Black Spanish Radish has 3-4 inch turnip-shaped globes. Their taste is crisp and spicy. It is a winter radish that grows longer and larger in size over time than their spring radish cousins. Due to the skin’s sharp bite, you can peel the black skin away for a milder radish flavor.

Believed to be a relative of the wild radish, the Black Spanish Radish was first cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean. They were even grown in Egypt before the pyramids were built as excavations have discovered. Just as other varieties of radishes, they are easy to grow, but can take longer to grow during the winter season.

Caterpillars, especially the cabbage butterfly, are some of the top pests of the Black Spanish Radish. Using netting over the bed can prevent them from getting in the garden and eating the leaves. They can also be effected by single-celled organism that deforms the roots and makes it difficult for the plants to soak up water. This is called club-root and takes some serious soil treatment to cure. Keeping a strict crop rotation can prevent this.

Sowing The Seed

Radish plants are cool weather crops, so the seeds are best established directly outdoors, 8 to 10 weeks prior to the first frost. Start be clearing your sowing area of all unwanted plant life & weeds. Turn the dirt, or replace it with fresh, new soil. Sow your seeds at a depth of 1/2” under topsoil, in groups of 2 or 3, in a triangle formation.

Growing Conditions

 Because Radish plants enjoy the cooler temperatures of the Autumn season, you should make sure that temperatures stay between 55F and 80F. Plant them in an area that will receive full sunlight for the majority of the day. The soil should be rich, but also well drained. To increase drainage, try adding a bit of light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water daily in the morning, but avoid overwatering as this can cause your Radishes to become waterlogged.

Germination & Growth

Radish seeds will begin to show signs of life within as little as 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow 4 to 6 inch tops, producing 3 to 4 inch, black colored roots. The seeds, as explained above can be sown in groups of 2 or 3, while spacing each group roughly 6 inches apart from one another. The rows will be spaced about 10 inches apart. Harvest when young, just as the roots measure 3.5 inches in diameter.