214 Gardening 



Spring radishes are best when about two- thirds grown. 

 They should be gathered promptly, as they soon become 

 hollow, pithy, dry, and of strong flavor. The roots of 

 some sorts are well below the surface of the soil, and the 

 leaf growth is rather sparse. The beginner is likely 

 to leave these plants in the soil too long. The size may 

 be determined by carefully feeling in the soil about the 

 root of a plant with the finger. 



During the winter months the spring varieties may be 

 forced in hotbeds throughout zones F and G, or in cold 

 frames in zone E, and they may be grown in the open in 

 zones B, C, and D. (For map of zones, see page 158.) 



The Scarlet Globe (globe-shaped), French Breakfast 

 (oval or olive-shaped) , and the White Icicle (long, finger- 

 shaped) are excellent standard sorts to be recommended 

 for any section of the United States. 



Summer varieties. Summer radishes are somewhat 

 resistant to the stronger sunlight, warmer temperatures, 

 and drier conditions of summer months. The seed is 

 planted in the early or late spring, and the roots are 

 ready for use in about 50 days. Success with these 

 varieties depends on supplying the conditions that favor 

 rapid growth. Rich soil, abundance of water, and 

 partial shade (the latter may sometimes be supplied by a 

 screen of thin cloth or laths) are necessary where the 

 summers are rather warm. 



Chartier and White Strasburg are considered the best of 

 the summer radishes. 



Winter varieties. Winter radishes require about 75 

 days of rapid growth to mature roots of large size. The 

 seed is therefore planted during the summer (in July in 



