Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
6a-11b
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
20cm | Max | 20cm |
15cm | Min | 10cm |
45 days to reach maturity
Flowering
This plant has no fragrance
Radish 'Sicily Giant' Overview
Radish 'Sicily Giant' is a heirloom variety from Sicily that can get to 5cm wide.
Common problems with Radish 'Sicily Giant'
This variety is generally disease free but can be bothered by flea beetles that cause pinholes in the leaves which can reduce the growth rate and quality of radishes. Radishes can also be bothered by root maggots. Both pest's populations can be reduced by using a row cover.
Radish 'Sicily Giant' Companion Plants
Radishes can be useful as companion plants for many other crops, probably because their pungent odour deters such insect pests as aphids, cucumber beetles, tomato hornworms, squash bugs, and ants. They can also function as a trap crop, luring insect pests away from the main crop. Cucumbers and radishes seem to thrive when grown in close association with each other, and radishes also grow well with chervil, lettuce, peas, and nasturtiums. However, they react adversely to growing in close association with hyssop
How to harvest Radish 'Sicily Giant'
Harvest 3-5 weeks after sowing. Pick radishes any time after the tuber has developed but they will be larger if left in the ground. The tuber should be visible through the soil or you can brush some of the soil from the radish top to check the tuber.
How to propagate Radish 'Sicily Giant'
Seed
Sow seeds in early spring to early summer, and again from late summer, 12-15 cm apart and 10-15 mm deep. Germination takes 4-10 days. continue sowing every second week to have continuous supply.
Special features of Radish 'Sicily Giant'
Crop rotation
Do not plant rootcrops or cabbage family in the same spot, alternate with legume family or light feeders like salads first.
Pot plant
They can be grown in pots in a light potting mix. Provide the wide pot at lease 10 deep.
Other uses of Radish 'Sicily Giant'
Culinary
Medicinal
Vitamin C and other minerals.
Edible
The crunchy taproots are edible with a sweetly spicy flavour. They are great sliced or grated in salads and make beautiful garnishes.