'Cherry Belle' Radish

Organic 'Cherry Belle' radish (Raphanus sativus) from McKenzie Seeds, a fast-growing, sweet and crisp heirloom radish

The 'Cherry Belle' radish is an iconic heirloom variety , renowned for its very rapid growth and consistent production . The roots are round, smooth, and uniform , a bright, glossy red reminiscent of a cherry, measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter . The firm, crisp , white flesh offers a mild, slightly peppery flavor , without any harshness, making it ideal for eating fresh.

A winner of the All-America Selections (AAS) , this radish is appreciated by both novice gardeners and those with intensive vegetable gardens. Grown from loose seeds (not on tape) , it allows for great sowing flexibility and staggered harvests. A cool-season crop, it is safe for bees , attracts pollinators , and retains its flavor well even after a short time in the refrigerator.

Companion plants: Lettuce, Nasturtium, Peas
Enemy plants: —

Spread/carrying habit: Round root
Foliage height: 15 to 20 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Heirloom
Physical type of seed: Seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 120 to 130 seeds
Special features: Very early, AAS, quick harvest, easy successive sowing

Root color: Bright red
Texture/flavor: Crisp, juicy, slightly peppery flesh
Cold tolerance: Excellent, early and late season variety

Farming method

Radishes are a cool-season crop and should be sown directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring . The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 10 and 16°C . Prepare loose, light, and well-drained soil .

Sow the seeds 1.3 cm deep , spacing them approximately 1.3 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Gently press the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, then water lightly. Keep the soil consistently moist , but not waterlogged, throughout germination, which usually occurs in 4 to 7 days .

When the plants have developed 2 to 3 pairs of leaves , thin them out to maintain a spacing of approximately 5 cm between plants. Overcrowded radishes produce small, lower-quality roots.

Sow seeds every 10 days from spring until temperatures exceed 21°C , at which point radishes tend to bolt (go to seed). Sowing can be repeated in late summer and early autumn .

Harvesting and preservation

Harvesting usually begins 20 to 25 days after sowing . Harvest quickly when mature, as radishes can become woody, spongy, or too pungent within a few days if left in the ground too long, especially in hot weather.

Radishes are best eaten freshly harvested , but can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days without noticeable loss of quality.

Usage ideas

• Raw radishes in salads
• Crunchy sandwich topping
• Classic accompaniment with butter and salt
• Fresh snacks
• Spring and autumn gardens

McKenzie's 'Cherry Belle' radish is a must-have , offering speed , balanced flavor , and proven reliability . An ideal heirloom variety for quick, abundant, and hassle-free harvests, season after season.