Description

Radish Red Coral (Raphanus sativus) is a fast-growing root vegetable prized for its crisp texture, mildly peppery and spicy flavour, and vibrant red skin with white flesh. This variety is ideal for cool-season planting and performs best in early spring and autumn across most South African regions, particularly in areas with mild winters and well-drained soils.

Maturing in just 25-35 days, Red Coral is perfect for succession planting, ensuring a steady harvest throughout the season. It’s especially suited to home gardens, raised beds, and shallow containers, making it accessible for urban growers and small-scale gardeners.

With its quick turnaround, high germination rates, and crunchy, refreshing taste, Red Coral is a reliable choice for both beginner gardeners and seasoned growers looking for low-maintenance, high-reward crops.

 

Benefits

Insect Repellant and Pollinator

• Radishes can repel common pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs.
  
• Their flowers (if allowed to bolt) attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects like ladybirds and lacewings.
  

Quick Growing and Soil Enhancing

• Ideal for quick harvests or to fill space between slower-growing crops.
  
• Roots help break up compacted soil and improve drainage.
  
• Great for succession planting and short-season rotations.

Nutritional and Medicinal 

• Rich in vitamin C, supporting immunity and skin health.
  
• Contains antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids.
  
• High water and fibre content promotes hydration, digestion, and detoxification.

• Natural compounds support liver function and may assist with blood sugar regulation.
  

 

How To Use

Radish Red Coral flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Early Spring, Winter or Autumn
• Temperature: 10-22°C
• Germinate: 5-10 days
• Depth: 10-15 mm
• Spacing: 2x15 cm
• Harvest: 25-35 days
• Height: 10-20 cm
• Flowering Season: If left to bolt: mid- to late-season flowering
• Exposure: Full sun to light shade (minimum 5–6 hours daily)

Ideal Growing Environment

• Light, well-draining, loose soil with moderate organic matter. pH 6.0–7.0.
  
• Even, consistent watering; avoid overwatering to prevent splitting.
  
• Generally not heavy feeders – compost-enriched soil is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent leafy growth at the expense of roots.
  
• Performs best in moderate humidity (50–70%) with good air circulation.
  
• Grows well across South Africa in cooler seasons; avoid planting during the peak summer heat to prevent bolting.
• Benefits from being planted alongside lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, spinach, beans, peas, and nasturtiums.
• Intercropping: Pair with onions, garlic chives, or marigolds to repel pests.
• Crop Rotation: Plant after peas or clover. Follow with lettuce or herbs. Avoid repeat root crops in the same bed.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Deep roots improve soil structure between cycles.
• Avoid planting with potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower – they may compete for nutrients or attract shared pests.

 

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