Radish Raphanus sativus 'Cherry Belle'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Cherry Belle is a variety of the widely known radish, celebrated for its vibrant, round, red-skinned root vegetables that have become a staple in many gardens and salads. The fleshy taproots are crisp and white on the inside, contrasting beautifully with their vivid exterior. The skin is smooth, showcasing a glossy and inviting appearance. Above ground, this plant sports lush green leaves that are slightly lobed, resembling large, coarse tufts that spread around from the central stem. The foliage can be substantial, providing a verdant canopy over the soil. These leaves are edible too, with a peppery flavor that complements the spicy taste of the radishes below. The radishes themselves grow uniformly, tending towards a perfect spherical shape that's been lauded for its aesthetic appeal and ease of use in culinary applications.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Brassicaceae.
- Synonyms
  Cherry Belle Radish, Radish Cherry Belle, Cherry Belle.
- Common names
  Raphanus sativus var. radicula Pers., Raphanus sativus var. sativus.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as radish, specifically the variety 'Cherry Belle', is not considered toxic to humans when consumed in normal food quantities. Radishes are commonly eaten and are a part of many cultures' cuisines. They contain various nutrients and are known for their peppery taste. However, consuming large amounts of radishes can lead to gastric irritation or discomfort in some individuals due to their spicy nature and high fiber content.
- To pets
  Radish, including the 'Cherry Belle' variety, is not poisonous to most pets such as dogs and cats. It is generally safe when ingested in small amounts. However, as with humans, radishes can cause gastric irritation or discomfort due to their spicy nature and roughage, particularly if the pet is not used to eating them. It is important to introduce any new food, including radishes, into a pet's diet gradually and to consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about the pet's health or diet.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
- Spread
  3-4 inches (7-10 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  2-11
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Easy to Grow: The 'Cherry Belle' radish is known for its ease of cultivation, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
- Fast Maturing: Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to mature, often ready to harvest in 3-4 weeks.
- Nutrient-Rich: Radishes contain vitamin C, potassium and fiber which are beneficial for a healthy diet.
- Soil Health: Radishes can break up compacted soil with their strong roots, improving soil health and structure for future plants.
- Pest Management: Growing radishes can help deter certain pests from more sensitive plants in a companion planting system.
- Culinary Versatility: Radishes can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked, providing a peppery flavor to a variety of dishes.
- Garden Aesthetics: With vibrant red bulbs and green tops, radishes add color and visual interest to any garden space.
- Interplanting: Due to their quick growth, radishes can be interplanted with slower-growing vegetables to maximize garden space efficiency.
Medical Properties
- Diuretic effects: Radish may promote increased urine production, helping to cleanse the kidneys and urinary system.
- Digestive aid: It is believed that radishes can stimulate bile production, which can assist with digestion and liver function.
- Antiscorbutic: Radishes contain Vitamin C, which can help prevent and treat scurvy, a disease resulting from Vitamin C deficiency.
- Antifungal properties: Radish seeds have shown to possess antifungal activity against certain fungi.
- Vitamin C content: The high Vitamin C content in radishes can contribute to immune system health.
- Low glycemic index: Radishes have a low glycemic index which can be beneficial for blood sugar control, important in managing diabetes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Radish seed pods, often overlooked, can be pickled or used in stir-fries for their unique flavor and crunchy texture.
- The leaves of the radish are edible and can be used in pesto or as a peppery addition to salads.
- Radish plants can be used as a natural insect repellent in the garden, as they can deter pests like cucumber beetles and aphids.
- As a cover crop, radishes can improve soil health by breaking up compacted layers and reducing erosion.
- Dried and ground radish seeds can serve as a natural alternative to mustard in condiments and spice mixes.
- Radish greens are suitable for feeding livestock, providing a nutritious supplement to their diet.
- The vibrant colors of radishes can be used to naturally dye fabrics and Easter eggs.
- Radish juice can be used in cooking to add flavor to dishes or as a base for soups and broths.
- Carved radishes are often used as garnishes or decorative elements in culinary presentations, showcasing the skill of the chef.
- The radish acts as a trap crop, luring pests away from more valuable plants in the garden or on the farm.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Radish is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Radish is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Health: The radish is often associated with good health and vitality due to its nutritional benefits.
- Protection: In some folklore, radishes are believed to offer protection against evil and illness.
- Prosperity: Their rapid growth is sometimes seen as a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
- New Opportunities: The germination of radish seeds represents new beginnings and opportunities.
- Passion: The red color of 'Cherry Belle' radishes is often linked with love and passion in various cultures.

💧

Every 1-2 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Not applicable

Repotting

🌱️

Spring

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Radishes, specifically 'Cherry Belle', require even, consistent watering, generally amounting to 1 inch of water per week. It is best to water deeply once or twice a week, rather than shallow daily waterings, to encourage strong root development. During dry periods or when growing in sandy soils more frequent watering may be necessary. Overwatering can lead to splitting, so it's essential to maintain a balance. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water.
Light
'Cherry Belle' radishes thrive in full sunlight conditions, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They grow best when they're planted in a spot that receives early morning sun, which is less intense than the afternoon sun, reducing the risk of the plant bolting in the heat. Partial shade can help in hotter climates to protect them from the stress of midday sun.
Temperature
'Cherry Belle' radishes prefer cooler temperatures, with ideal growth occurring between 50°F and 65°F. They can survive a light frost and temperatures as low as 40°F but typically won’t withstand heat well above 85°F. To ensure a quality harvest, it’s best to grow 'Cherry Belle' radishes in the cooler parts of the growing season, either spring or fall.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for 'Cherry Belle' radishes since they are harvested before they develop sizable foliage. Any yellowing leaves should be removed to maintain plant health and focus the plant's energy on root development. The best time for any necessary leaf removal is when you are thinning the seedlings or harvesting the radishes.
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
Radish 'Cherry Belle' thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. The best soil mix for 'Cherry Belle' is a combination of garden soil, compost, and aged manure to ensure fertility and good drainage.
Repotting
Radishes including 'Cherry Belle' are not commonly repotted as they are grown as annuals. They are directly sown in the garden or container and harvested when mature.
Humidity & Misting
'Cherry Belle' radishes prefer average humidity levels and do not require special humidity conditions, as long as the soil moisture is adequately maintained.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Grow 'Cherry Belle' in deep pots with rich soil and ample light.
- Outdoor
  Sow 'Cherry Belle' radish directly in well-drained soil in full sun.
- Hardiness zone
  2-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of Cherry Belle radish (Raphanus sativus 'Cherry Belle') begins with seed germination, which occurs within a few days in optimal conditions of warmth and moisture. Following germination, radish seedlings emerge, quickly developing their first true leaves and establishing a small root system. As the plant grows, it develops a larger foliage of leaves and the taproot thickens to form the characteristic radish bulb. Cherry Belle radishes reach maturity quickly, often ready to harvest within 3 to 4 weeks after sowing. After harvesting, if some radishes are left unharvested and allowed to flower, they will produce small white, pink, or purple flowers, leading to pollination and seed set. The seeds can then be collected for the next planting, completing the life cycle of the plant.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring
- The Raphanus sativus 'Cherry Belle', commonly known as the Cherry Belle radish, is primarily propagated through seed. The best time to sow radish seeds is in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. Plant seeds directly into the garden, about a half-inch deep (approximately 1.27 centimeters) and one inch apart (about 2.54 centimeters) in rows that are 12 inches (approximately 30.48 centimeters) apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about 2 inches (approximately 5.08 centimeters) apart to give each radish enough room to develop. Radishes prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and they rely on cool temperatures to grow quickly and prevent them from becoming woody. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Given their fast maturation, radishes can be ready to harvest in as little as 22 to 30 days after planting.