Quick maturing, bright red, round roots with succulent flesh. Short tops, so can be grown under glass or in frames for the earliest dish of the season. Ideal for successional sowings throughout the spring and summer months.

Radishes grow well in most soils, but prefer rich, moist free draining soils. Temperature 15-20C. Germination 4-10 days. Sow at regular intervals from early spring to early summer into well cultivated soil. Sow very thinly 1cm (½in) deep in drills 15cm (6in) apart.

For sowing later in the summer choose a moist cool spot in slight shade to prevent running to seed. To extend the season they can be sown in autumn again from mid winter onwards through to spring in a greenhouse, coldframe or cloches. Sow very thinly and keep moist and ventilate freely at all times.

Thin out seedlings to 3-5cm (1 to 2in) apart.

Water during dry spells. Harvest as soon as the roots reach reasonable size, if left too long they will become hot and woody.