Organic 'Cherry Belle' radish
Organic 'Cherry Belle' radish (Raphanus sativus) from seed producer Gaia, a small, bright red radish that is tender, crunchy and ultra-early
The 'Cherry Belle' radish is one of the most prized heirloom varieties, valued for its rapid growth , vibrant red skin , and crisp white flesh . Its fresh, juicy texture makes it a staple for early spring sowings, as well as autumn and even late summer crops. The small, uniform roots reach approximately 2.5 cm (1") , with a mild, slightly peppery flavor, ideal for salads, sandwiches, quick marinades, and garden snacks.
Reliable and easy to grow, it is perfectly suited to beginner vegetable gardens, small gardens or successive sowings to obtain continuous harvests.
Did you know that
In medieval Europe, radishes were considered a revitalizing plant : they were used to stimulate digestion and clear the mind before manual labor. In Japan, the young leaves were once more prized than the roots themselves for their high vitamin content and peppery taste.
The 'Cherry Belle' radish, selected in the 1940s, has become one of the standard radishes in horticultural competitions for its perfect uniformity , speed of growth and adaptability to various climates.
Companion plants : Carrot, lettuce, bean, beetroot, cabbage, kale, nasturtium, alliums, spinach, squash, cucumber
Negative plants : Melon, turnip, pumpkin, sunflower, potato, hyssop
Spread/Habit : Short root, compact leafy clump
Plant height : 10 to 15 cm
Quantity per packet : 150 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very early maturing, high uniformity, edible leaves, cold tolerance
Root color : Bright red, flesh white
Texture/flavor : Crunchy, juicy, sweet and tangy
Cold tolerance : Down to -7°C
Farming method
Soak the seeds for a maximum of 12 hours in lukewarm water to speed up germination. Sow directly outdoors as soon as the soil is workable.
Bury the seeds at 1.25 cm (1/2") and space them 2 to 10 cm (1–4") apart depending on the desired size, with 20 to 30 cm (8–12") between rows.
Radishes prefer cool, loose, slightly moist soil ( watering level 2 ) and a sunny/partially shaded location (level 2) . Germination occurs in 5 to 7 days .
For an autumn crop: sow in such a way that it reaches maturity by the first day of frost .
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the root lifts slightly from the soil or loses its firm support. Roots become woody if left too long.
Remove the leaves immediately to improve preservation.
Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks at 1–2 °C with 85–90% humidity , in a ventilated container or perforated bag.
The leaves are edible : delicious in pesto, sautéed or added to soups.
Usage ideas
• Crunchy salads, raw vegetables, spring platters
• Buttered toast with radishes and fleur de sel
• Quick pickles (15 minutes)
• Greens in pesto, soups or sautéed
• Adds color and freshness to bowls and trays
The 'Cherry Belle' radish is a small, fast, reliable and joyful root to grow, perfect for introducing children to vegetable gardening, extending the harvest season or adding a colorful and spicy touch to home cooking.
