Organic 'Sparkler' Radish

Organic 'Sparkler' radish (Raphanus sativus) from McKenzie Seeds, a crisp, bi-colored radish with a pronounced peppery character

The 'Sparkler' white-tipped radish is a heirloom variety prized for its distinctive two-tone appearance and more pronounced flavor than classic sweet radishes. Its nearly perfectly round roots reach about 4 to 4.5 cm (1¾ in) in diameter, with a scarlet skin contrasted by a crisp white tip , making it as decorative as it is tasty.

Its flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy , with a pronounced peppery flavor , ideal for those who prefer a more robust radish. Despite its spicy character, it retains good freshness and excellent shelf life, even after harvesting. Like all cool-climate radishes, it grows quickly and is perfectly suited to spring and autumn crops.

Easy to grow and very productive, 'Sparkler' attracts pollinators and is an excellent choice for family vegetable gardens, containers and successive sowings.

Companion plants: Lettuce, Nasturtium, Peas
Plant enemies: None notable

Spread/Habit: Round roots, compact foliage
Foliage height: 15 to 20 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Heirloom
Physical type of seed: Seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 80 to 90 seeds
Special features: Bicolored red and white, peppery flavor, very early

Root color: Scarlet red with white tips
Texture/flavor: Crisp, juicy and peppery flesh
Cold tolerance: Excellent, ideal for cool climates

Farming method

Sow directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 10 and 16°C . Prepare loose, well-drained soil free of surface crusts.

Sow at a depth of 1.3 cm (½ in) , in rows spaced 30 cm apart, then water gently. Germination is rapid and usually occurs in 4 to 7 days . Maintain consistent, but not excessive, moisture throughout the germination period.

When the plants have 2 to 3 pairs of leaves , thin them to about 5 cm between plants to allow the development of well-formed roots.

For continuous harvesting, sow successively every 7 to 10 days until temperatures exceed 21°C. Sowing can resume at the end of summer for an autumn harvest.

Recommended exposure: Full sun (level 3)
Watering: 2.5 to 5 cm of water per week , regularly

Harvesting and preservation

Harvesting begins quickly, about 25 days after sowing . Harvest radishes when they are young and well-colored to preserve their crisp texture and pleasant spiciness. Avoid leaving them in the ground too long to prevent them from becoming hollow or overly strong.

'Sparkler' radishes keep well in the refrigerator and retain their firmness for several days after harvesting.

Usage ideas

• Crunchy and colorful salads
• Decorative trimmings
• Crudité platters
• Thin slices for sandwiches
• Quick Pickles

McKenzie's organic 'Sparkler' radish is a vibrant and expressive variety, perfect for those seeking a radish with a more assertive flavor , without sacrificing speed of cultivation or ease of care. An excellent choice for adding color, texture, and character to both the vegetable garden and the plate.