What is a Watermelon Radish?
Watermelon radishes are an heirloom variety of Daikon radish, one of my favorites. They are a member of the mustard family, which includes arugula and turnip. An interesting watermelon radish fact tells us that the Chinese word for these radishes is ShinRi-Mei, meaning “beauty in the heart.” One only needs to slice into one of these beauties to understand the meaning behind the name. Their Latin name is Raphanus sativus acanthiformis. As to what watermelon radishes taste like, they have a milder, understated taste compared to their brethren and are a bit less peppery in flavor. Unlike other varieties, the flavor actually mellows even further the more mature the radishes become.
Growing Watermelon Radishes
Since these are an heirloom variety, finding watermelon radish seeds might require a bit more of a search than going to the local five and dime but are well worth the effort. Watermelon radish seeds are easy to order through online seed catalogs. Growing watermelon radishes is as easy as growing other radish types. They do take longer to mature than other varieties, however – about 65 days. Plant them from early to late spring. They can be planted anew every two weeks for a continuous harvest. Radishes thrive in well-drained, fertile, deep, sandy soil rich in organic matter. Prior to sowing watermelon radish seeds, you may want to amend the soil with 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) of well composted organic matter and 2 to 4 cups (0.5-1 L.) of all-purpose fertilizer (16-16-8 or 10-10-10-) per 100 square feet (9.29 sq. m.), especially if your soil tends to be heavy. Work these into the top 6 inches (15 cm.) of soil. Radish seeds can be sown directly into the garden when soil temps are 40 degrees F. (4 C.) but germinate best at 55 to 75 degrees F. (12-23 C.). Sow seeds in rich soil, evenly spaced in rows 6 inches (15 cm.) apart at a depth of ½ inch (1 cm.). Tamp the soil down lightly and water the seeds in. Maintain consistent irrigation as the radishes grow. When the seedlings are an inch (2.5 cm.) tall, thin them to 2 inches (5 cm.) apart.
