Crisp, crunchy, mild and sweet. Ideal for decoration - make small uneven cuts around the outside of the radish, place in iced water and it will open up into floral shapes.

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

Thin out the seedlings to 3-5cm apart.

Water during dry spells. For summer sowings choose a moist cool spot to prevent running to seed. As radishes grow so fast and use less of the soil's goodness, use them totally as a catch crop with other slower maturing produce. Harvest as soon as the roots reach reasonable size, if left too long they will become hot and woody.