Seeds
A striking, heat-tolerant loose-leaf lettuce with deep red, frilly edges.
Watermelon radishes are a type of Daikon that hide a brilliant, starburst-pink interior beneath a modest, pale green-white skin. They grow much larger than standard spring radishes and prefer the cooler temperatures of late summer and autumn to develop their best flavor. The flesh is remarkably crisp, mildly spicy, and slightly sweet, making them a show-stopping addition to raw vegetable platters, salads, and pickles.
Light
Grows best in full sun, at least 6 hours a day, but tolerates light shade. Too little light gives leafy tops and small roots.
Water
Needs steady moisture, as irregular watering makes the roots woody, pithy or hot. Water deeply once or twice a week and more often in warm weather.
Humidity
Average humidity is fine. Thin seedlings early so air moves between plants, and avoid wetting the leaves in the evening.
Temperature
Grows well at about 8 to 32 C and can be grown in 35 C+ weather in light shade with steady watering, though roots turn hotter and woodier. Seed will not germinate in soil above about 35 C, so sow from September to January. Watermelon radishes are large daikon types with their best flavour in autumn and winter.
Pets and children
Pet-safe
Soil
Loose, well drained, friable soil free of stones, with a little compost. Break up crusted soil, since compaction or crusting gives misshapen roots. Give them a deep bed or pot, as the roots grow much larger than spring radishes.
Fertilizer
Radishes need little feeding. A balanced fertiliser mixed in before sowing is enough, as too much nitrogen gives leafy tops and small roots.
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