One of the first vegetables that is planted in spring in the beds of almost every gardener is radish. Constantly breeders bring the best varieties of radish with characteristics that attract attention. Large varieties of radish are especially popular.
Most of the articles on the Internet about radishes are uninformative and not structured. It is difficult to figure out which varieties in the open field will give a good harvest, and which require attention and careful care to obtain a large number of high-quality root crops.
Which radish is considered large-fruited?
When you read the description and see the “root weight 30 grams”, it is difficult to relate it to reality. Of course, pulp density, size and shape in most species are individual, but you can focus on the following approximate figures:
- For round radish weight 15-25 grams, diameter 3-4 cm.
- For elongated varieties, weight is 15-25 grams, 3-4 centimeters long and 1.5 - 2 thick.
This size and weight is optimal for the use of radish in salads and eating. All that is larger and heavier is considered a large size, an amateur. Naturally, the above figures are approximate. Radish is found with dense pulp, which at this size weighs up to 40 grams, there are light and with voids - they weigh only 10-15 grams.
Most popular types
By landing method and requirements Radish can be for open and closed ground. At the same time, greenhouse means not only a greenhouse or greenhouse - it can be grown in a simple box on the window.
For home growing
Garden radish is so simple and unpretentious that it can be grown all year round. There are varieties resistant to lack of light and capable of growing in a drawer in the kitchen or balcony.
Carmen
The early ripe grade ripening in 19-21 days. Rounded root of bright color reaches 4 cm in diameter. Resistant to low light and low temperatures.
Diego
Hybrid with high resistance to light deficiency, giving good yields for home cultivation. Maturation term is 22 - 24 days from the emergence of shoots. Rounded root crop of saturated color reaches 4 cm in diameter.
Celeste
The Dutch hybrid is intended for cultivation in conditions of insufficient illumination and short daylight hours. The diameter of the root crops varies in diameter 3.5-4 cm, reaching 25-30 grams of weight. Reaches maturity in 24-26 days from the moment of emergence of shoots.
For closed ground
For planting in closed ground, you need to use only special varieties. In greenhouses and greenhouses moisture is higher than in the street, therefore plants are subject to a greater number of diseases.
globe
Superearly variety, from the appearance of the first shoots to the harvest takes 16-18 days. The root crop is round, from red color with a diameter of 3-4 cm. The weight of one root crop fluctuates within 20-25 grams.
Beauty
Middle-early variety, ripening period 18-22 days from emergence of shoots. The root crop is rounded, measuring 4–5 cm in diameter and weighing 20–25 grams.
Greenhouse
Russian variety of late gestation period - from germination to harvest 25-30 days. The root crop of an oval form reaches 5 cm in diameter and 4 in length. Weight ranges from 10 to 20 grams.
For open ground
When grown in open ground there are no special requirements for the selection of varieties.so you can use almost any.
Heat
The early grade intended for an open ground. The ripening period ranges from 17 to 25 days, the roots of bright crimson color. The diameter of the root is 3-4 centimeters, the length is usually less than 5 cm. The weight ranges from 20 to 25 grams.
Dawn
The Russian variety of average maturity, from germination to maturity, takes about 25 days. Rounded root of saturated red color reaches 4-5 cm in diameter and weight of 18-22 grams.
Champion
Czech variety of late maturity. From the emergence of seedlings to ripening takes about 40 days, the root crop is rounded and slightly elongated. Weight reaches 20 grams, and the size ranges from 4-5 cm.
Taste: bitter or sweet?
Often there is a situation when a large root vegetable is bitter or hot. It is usually believed that this is due to size - in fact, bitterness is caused by age and grade. If the radish overrides, it begins to accumulate mustard oil. It is because of this that even sweet varieties start to taste bitter or burn.
Large-fruited varieties are bred specifically to remove this deficiency from large fruits. Heat, Dawn and Globe have a sweet, rich flavor. Greenhouse and Champion during ripeness get a small bitter taste, which is combined with the overall sweet taste.
Important. Breeding new varieties of radish occurs in breeding stations around the world. Since climatic conditions are different, any variety requires zoning - adaptation to local conditions. Non zoned variety may differ in its taste, size or color from the original variety. Therefore, when choosing a preference is better to give local varieties of time-tested.
Extra large radish: description with photo
In addition to large and fairly common varieties of radish, there are superlarge ones. Root varieties “Red Giant” and “Autumn Giant” reach 150 grams in weight and a dozen centimeters in length.
Red giant
Bred by the breeders of the Far East Station in the 50s of the last century. The shape of the root is cone-shaped, reaches 15 cm or more, the diameter at the outlet is 3-4 cm. According to its characteristics, it is a medium-late variety that reaches maturity in 40-50 days.
After reaching maturity, he does not flabby and does not throw out the flower-bearing spike, which compares favorably with analogs. Differs in a high keeping rate, the root crops placed in a dark cool place, can be stored 3-4 months.
A characteristic feature of the growth of the Red giant is considered late growth - the first 25-35 days. root practically does not gain mass. At this time, formed a lush rosette of leaves, the root remains thin and weak. After the formation of the rosette, the root begins to quickly fill in and by the time of 40–45 days it gains 80–100 grams.
Autumn giant
Bred by Kuban breeders in the 70s of the last century. Root white color, cylindrical - 6-8 cm in height and 5-6 cm in diameter. The flesh is juicy, white, not bitter.
Mid-season variety, ripening period 25-28 days. Unlike most giant varieties, it actively grows above the ground level and by the time of ripening it sticks out from it by half and more. Zoned in the North Caucasus region, in other regions it grows worse and shows less results. When grown in favorable conditions, the mass of root crops ranges from 130 to 170 grams, in central Russia the results are worse - 70 to 100 grams.
There are many different types of radish, there are not only red or white varieties, but also black, blue and purple. Special mention is daikon - Japanese radish. Therefore, you should not be limited to the above, but try others.
