There does not seem to be a consensus on the correct name for this species. Some recent treatments have reclassified this species as Raphanus raphanistrum sativus (L.) Domin, but this has not been universally accepted as yet(2013)[].

Common Name: Radish

General Information

Raphanus sativus is an erect, annual plant, varying in height according to variety, but generally in the region of 20 - 100cm when flowering. It grows from a globose to cylindrical root[].
The plant is widely cultivated throughout both tropical and temperate regions for its edible roots.

Known Hazards

The Japanese radishes have higher concentrations of glucosinolate, a substance that acts against the thyroid gland. It is probably best to remove the skin[].

Botanical References

Range

A plant of cultivation. the origin of which is obscure. It probably arose through cultivation.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.45 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, flies
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Radishes originated in the temperate zone but can be cultivated from there right through to the tropics, where they grow best at latitudes higher than 10° N and S, or at elevations above 500 metres[, ]. The plant grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 12 - 25°c, but can tolerate 3 - 30°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 800 - 1,000mm, but tolerates 500 - 2,800mm[].
Very easily cultivated fast-growing plants which prefer a sunny position and a rich light soil with ample moisture[, , ]. They dislike very heavy or acid soils[, ]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 5.2 - 8.3[]. Plants are susceptible to drought and require irrigation during dry spells in the summer or the root quality will rapidly deteriorate and the plant will go to seed.
Roots of summer radishes can be ready to harvest from 22 - 50 days after sowing the seed[].
Yields of approximately 7 - 10 tonnes per hectare of fresh radish can be achieved for early-maturing cultivars of small radish[].
There are many named varieties[] that are able to supply edible roots all year round. Over the centuries a number of distinct groups have evolved through cultivation, these have been classified by botanists in various ways. The classification is currently (2014) under review again, and so the following is subject to change. A separate record has been made for each group:-
R. Sativus. The common radish. Fast maturing plants with small roots that can be round or cylindrical and usually have red skins. They are grown primarily for their roots which in some varieties can be ready within three weeks from sowing the seed and are used mainly in salads. These are mainly grown for spring, summer and autumn use and can produce a crop within a few weeks of sowing.
R. Sativus caudatus. The rat-tailed radishes. This group does not produce roots of good quality, it is cultivated mainly for the edible young seedpods which are harvested in the summer.
R. Sativus niger. The Oriental and Spanish radishes. These are grown for their larger edible root which can be round or cylindrical and can be available throughout the winter.
R. Sativus oleiformis. The fodder radishes. These are grown mainly for their leaves and oil-rich seeds, they are used as a green manure or stock feed though they can also be eaten by people. The roots of these plants soon become fibrous, though they make acceptable eating when young.

Edible Uses

Root - raw or cooked[, , ]. Crisp and juicy, they have a hot and spicy flavour and are a very popular addition to salads[, ]. The summer crops do not store well and should be used as soon as possible after harvesting[]. The winter varieties (including the Japanese forms) have much larger roots and often a milder flavour. These store well and can be either harvested in early winter for storage or be harvested as required through the winter[].

Young leaves - raw or cooked[, , , ]. A somewhat hot taste, and the texture is somewhat coarse[]. As long as they are young, they make an acceptable addition in small quantities to chopped salads and are a reasonable cooked green[]. A nutritional analysis is available[].

Young flower clusters - raw or cooked[]. A spicy flavour with a crisp pleasant texture, they make a nice addition to salads or can be used as a broccoli substitute[, ].

Seeds - raw. The seed can be soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then allowed to sprout for about 6 days[]. They have a hot spicy flavour and go well in salads[, ].

An edible oil can be obtained from the seed[, , ].

Young seedpods - raw[, , , ]. Crisp and juicy with a mildly hot flavour[]. They must be eaten when young because they quickly become tough and fibrous[].

Medicinal

Radishes have long been grown as a food crop, but they also have various medicinal actions. The roots stimulate the appetite and digestion, having a tonic and laxative effect upon the intestines and indirectly stimulating the flow of bile[]. Consuming radish generally results in improved digestion, but some people are sensitive to its acridity and robust action[].

The plant is used in the treatment of intestinal parasites, though the part of the plant used is not specified[].

The leaves, seeds and old roots are used in the treatment of asthma and other chest complaints[].

The juice of the fresh leaves is diuretic and laxative[].

The seed is carminative, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and stomachic[, , ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of indigestion, abdominal bloating, wind, acid regurgitation, diarrhoea and bronchitis[].
The root is antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, astringent, cholagogue, digestive and diuretic[, ]. It is crushed and used as a poultice for burns, bruises and smelly feet[]. Radishes are also an excellent food remedy for stone, gravel and scorbutic conditions[]. The root is best harvested before the plant flowers[]. Its use is not recommended if the stomach or intestines are inflamed[].

The plant contains raphanin, which is antibacterial and antifungal[, ]. It inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, streptococci, Pneumococci etc[]. The plant also shows anti-tumour activity[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The growing plant repels beetles from tomatoes and cucumbers[, ]. It is also useful for repelling various other insect pests such as carrot root fly[].
Radishes are a good companion plant for lettuces, nasturtiums, peas and chervil, tomatoes and cucumbers[, ]. They are said to repel cucumber beetles if planted near cucumber plants and they also repel the vine borers which attack squashes, marrows and courgettes[]. They grow badly with hyssop[, ] and with grape vines[].

Other Uses

There is a fodder variety that grows more vigorously and is used as a green manure[].

A non-drying oil is obtained from the seeds[]. It can be used in soap making[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in succession. Germination takes place within a few days of sowing the seed. If you want a constant supply of the roots then you need to sow seed every 2 - 3 weeks.

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