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 toolong. 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 
