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radish 'Red Meat'

watermelon radish or Raphanus sativus 'Red Meat'

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A real garden show-off that rewards a little patience with something genuinely eye-catching, this cool season-hardy root vegetable forms neat, leafy growth above ground while developing round, robust roots beneath.

The skin stays pale with green blushes, but slice one open and you’ll find the striking rose-red centre that makes it such a talking point on the plate. Radish ‘Red Meat’ brings a mild, sweet crunch with a gentle peppery edge, staying softer in flavour as it matures rather than becoming harsh. Best grown in cooler months, it thrives with late summer or autumn sowing and prefers steady, cool conditions to avoid bolting.

It’s just as happy in raised beds or open ground, where spacing gives the roots room to bulk up evenly. In the kitchen it shines raw in salads for colour and bite, or lightly cooked where it holds its texture well, making it a handy, versatile crop for seasonal growing and everyday cooking.

How to care for radish Red Meat:

Radishes grow quickly and do best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil that’s not too rich, as overly fertile soil can lead to more leaf than root growth. Water regularly to keep the roots developing steadily and avoid them becoming woody or split.

Harvest as soon as they reach a usable size (usually within 3 to 6 weeks) by gently pulling them from the soil. Don’t leave them in too long as they quickly become pithy and hot. The leaves can also be eaten when young and tender.

Sowing instructions:

Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil and sow sparingly direct where they are to grow, in shallow drills.

Thinning is not necessary, but take care not to disturb other roots - pull out the largest as they reach the size of a marble, when they're at their tenderest. The rest will grow to fill the space they leave.

Don't sow too many radishes at once, or you'll have a glut: instead, sow half a row every two or three weeks to have just the right amount to harvest all season long.
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.15m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

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Seed Packets (only)£2.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99

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