CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
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RADISH ( Raphanus sativus) 
575. History. — The radish, which has been cultivated 
since earliest historic times, is indigenous to the temper- 
ate regions of the old world (De Candolle, “Origin of 
Cultivated Plants,” p. 29). People of many countries 
consume the roots in large quantities. 
576. Importance. — The radish is particularly impor- 
tant in this country as a spring and early summer crop. 
It is easily grown. The roots attain edible size in three 
to six weeks from time of sowing. As it is highly ap- 
preciated as 2. salad plant, immense quantities are grown 
by market gardeners supplying the city markets. It is 
also a profitable crop with some of the southern truckers, 
who ship to markets of the northern states. 
577. Climatic requirements. — This is a cool-weather 
plant, but may be grown under a wide range of climatic 
conditions. If the supply of soil moisture is ample, high 
temperatures are not very damaging. 
578. Soil. — The soil should be cool, moist, fertile and 
friable. Sandy loams are preferred. In heavy soils the 
roots are likely to be rough or ill-shaped, with a large 
number of small, fibrous laterals. 
579. Varieties. — Wide variation exists in the character 
of the roots. In form they may be oblate, spherical, top- 
shaped. oval, oblong, conical or conical-cylindrical. In 
color they may be white, red, yellow, light brown, 
orange, red, purple or black. Some varieties are espe- 
cially valuable for early spring planting, others for sum- 
mer use and others for winter. 
Cardinal Globe is a valuable globular-shaped radish 
that matures very quickly. 
Ch artier is a favorite long radish, crimson, shading to 
white at the tip. It is a summer variety. 
Chinese Rose and New White Chinese are the most 
popular winter varieties. 
