Crimson Crunch Radish

Smooth and uniform in shape, top-quality Crimson Crunch is an extra-fancy, globe-shaped radish with a brilliant cherry red outside and fine-textured, snow white flesh. Carefully bred to be quick growing and vigorous, Crimson Crunch has an excellent crispy texture in a wide variety of soil conditions. Roots keep their vivid color and mild flavor without getting hot tasting or spongy textured. One of the kitchen garden’s fastest-growing treats, Crimson Crunch adds zest to salads, garnishes and appetizers.
 
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow in late summer for a fall crop.
 
GROWING NOTES
Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive and have crisp flesh and the best mild flavor given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.
 
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest radishes when roots are the size of large marbles. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull, cut off tops, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Radishes will be spicier in hot weather and milder grown in cooler conditions. Combine sliced radishes, scallions and fresh dill or parsley for a great salad. Make delicious openfaced sandwiches on whole grain bread spread with sweet butter and topped with sliced radishes.