This "beauty heart" type Chinese radish is the most popular variety grown in the middle and northern parts of China. It is also call watermelon radish. This variety is globe-shape, green shoulder with dark pink flesh. Because of their color, they are the perfect radishes to carve into flower shapes as garnish. It has a crisp texture and is mild and sweet flavored. Try eating fresh. Just thinly slice, top with fresh squeezed lime and a little salt and pepper or with sugar. For fall season sowing only.

Radishes are a fast growing cool-season crop that require a spot in full sun. They should be kept well-watered to promote uninterrupted growth. Since they mature quickly, radishes are ideal for succession planting to ensure you have them constantly ready to harvest. They should be picked when their leaves are approximately four inches long, which will ensure this piquant root is packed with flavor and not woody or tasteless. T oavoid pests early on, use insect netting immediately after planting. Radishes add a zesty kick to fresh salads, are great for snacking on with some dip or salad dressing, make an excellent addition to simple tea sandwiches, and can be easily pickled.

COMMON PESTS: Aphids, Flea Beetles, Harlequin Bugs, Cabbage Loopers, Root Maggots

SUSCEPTIBLE TO: Damping Off, Clubroot, Blight, Downy Mildew, Fusarium Wilt, Scab, Bolting