Watermelon radish: benefits and harms, a description of the properties of the variety with a photo

Gardeners surprise neighbors and friends with watermelon radish. This is an unusual root crop. It combines sweet taste and savory bitterness.

The appearance of the radish is also amazing. The pale green skin hides the flesh, which can be lemon yellow to purple in color. Gardeners note the beneficial properties of a watermelon vegetable, which, with regular use, strengthens the immune system.

Variety description

Watermelon root - hybrid. Under natural conditions, such a curiosity does not grow. General Description:

• belongs to the cruciferous family;
• size up to 8cm;
• shape: from round, slightly elongated downwards, to fusiform;
• dense skin;
• color skin - light green;
• pulp color: lemon yellow, pink, bright scarlet or purple;
• pulp color - uneven;
• flesh less juicy than traditional radish;
• taste: sweet (at the pulp), bitter and pungent (near the skin);
• contrast of spiciness and sweetness smoothes out as it matures;
• maturing period - 30 days from germination to the suitability of root crops for food.

The root crop perfectly tolerates transportation. But gardeners are upset by the short shelf life: in the refrigerator, the radish remains fresh for only 60 days. And at room temperature it quickly loses its presentation.

Agronomists distinguish between several types of hybrid:

• European;
• Chinese;
• Japanese.

They differ in terms of ripening and cultivation conditions.

Seed selection and planting

It will not be possible to get seeds from a hybrid on its own. It is recommended to purchase planting material in specialized garden centers. When buying, you should pay attention to the compliance of the growing region with the climate recommended by breeders.

When planting, you need to follow the advice of agronomists:

• place root crops should be in lighted areas;
• the ridges should not be stagnant moisture;
• the soil should be loose, moisture permeable;
• land before planting should be fertilized with a mineral complex;
• the distance between the grooves should be 12-15 cm;
• the distance between adjacent plants should be 8 cm;
• put 2 seeds in each hole;
• remove the weak plant after germination.

Soil needs to be kept moist until germination. Some gardeners cover plantings with a thin non-woven white material. After the seeds germinate, the canvas is removed.

Soil preparation

Watermelon curiosity requires loose soil. Before planting, it is recommended to dig the bed on a spade bayonet. Simultaneously apply compost (bucket per sq. m.) and mineral complex (phosphorus and potassium).

Gardeners should pay attention to the acidity of the soil. For radish, pH 7 is comfortable. For acidic soils, lime or dolomite flour must be added. Alkaline - acidify with peat. Ridges slightly compact and mark the rows. Sow and moisten the ground.

You should pay attention to the predecessors of culture. An excellent harvest is obtained after cucumbers, tomatoes. Good neighbors are onions and beans.

Date of planting

Watermelon root ripens within 30 days. This allows you to grow several crops per season. But for a delicious taste, it is recommended to respect the planting dates.

This is a short day culture. When increasing the duration of illumination, throws out an arrow. Root crops coarsen. Taste goes bad.

Crop should be planted after the earth warms up to 8 C°. Some gardeners sow watermelon radish in a greenhouse in March-April. Before planting tomatoes or cucumbers, the first crop ripens.

The crop is planted in open ground until the end of May. Subsequent landings are carried out in July-August. Harvesting is recommended before the onset of frost.

Care: watering, top dressing

Watermelon radish is an early crop. It is recommended to apply fertilizer only once: when preparing the soil for planting.

Watering the ridges should be as they dry: once every 7-10 days. In case of heavy prolonged precipitation, it is required to cover the plantings with a film.

The alternation of drought and waterlogging of the earth is dangerous: the taste of root crops deteriorates, the pulp becomes fibrous.

Hybrid diseases

Culture is affected by fungal diseases. For prevention, it is recommended to observe the irrigation regime.

On acidic soils, watermelon radish suffers from clubroot. Root crops become rigid, the shape changes. As a warning, the soil should be deoxidized before sowing.

Pests

The main pest is the cruciferous flea. To combat it, plantings should be covered with lutrasil until the first true leaf grows. Some gardeners dust the plants with ash and tobacco dust. The use of insecticides is not recommended: the crop matures quickly.

Sometimes wireworm damages roots. To combat it, weeds should be removed in a timely manner (the larvae live on their roots).

Benefits and harms

Gardeners are aware of the beneficial properties of watermelon delicacy. It contains vitamins, acids, mustard oil, glycosides. The use of radish dishes restores strength with increased fatigue, normalizes the digestive tract, and stimulates appetite. Noticed: after a long winter, the introduction of a root crop into the diet restores immunity.

But people with diseases of the stomach, liver and kidneys should be careful to introduce a watermelon vegetable into the diet: it can provoke an exacerbation of diseases.

Dishes of watermelon radish

Watermelon radish can be eaten fresh, fried, stewed. Due to their unusual appearance and piquant taste, they are decorated with dishes and drinks. Popular appetizer: Arrange peeled and ringed radishes on a platter, drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with roasted sunflower seeds.

Watermelon radish salad

This simple recipe from the available products will decorate the country menu:

• peel and cut into strips of medium radish root and carrot;
• chopped white cabbage (70 grams);
• cut medium cucumber and green onion;
• mix ingredients;
• sprinkle with lemon juice, s alt and pepper;
• add a tablespoon of olive oil, stir.

Put on a dish. Sprinkle with chopped herbs and sunflower seeds.

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