Plantes d’extérieur
Tout pour fleurir, cultiver et aménager votre jardin.
Sale
Sold out
Seeds
Brassicaceae
Organic seeds
Tourne-sol
'Malaga' radish organic
Raphanus sativus
Radish ‘Malaga’ is a Polish variety that forms round roots with dark-purple skin and crisp, juicy white flesh. Its mild, lightly peppery flavour remains pleasant when soil moisture stays even and roots are harvested promptly. The packet contains 250 organic, open-pollinated seeds suitable for seed saving. Direct sow outdoors during cool weather, then repeat small sowings every 1 to 2 weeks. The colourful roots slice neatly for salads, raw vegetable plates, and sandwiches. This fast cool-season crop fits kitchen gardens, raised beds, and containers with enough depth for unrestricted root growth. Its purple skin adds an appealing contrast from harvest through serving.
Sold as
4
49
$
Discover the plant
Common nameRadish ‘Malaga’
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusRaphanus
Speciessativus
CultivarMalaga
TypeSeeds
Botanical nameRaphanus sativus
Reproducible seedsYes
'Malaga' radish organic (Raphanus sativus) produces round roots with dark-purple skin and crisp, juicy white flesh. The flavour remains pleasantly mild with a lightly peppery note that does not become strong too quickly when the soil stays evenly moist and roots are harvested promptly. Ferme Tourne-Sol offers 250 organic, open-pollinated seeds suitable for seed saving. This Polish variety makes colourful bunches and creates a striking contrast when sliced for salads, raw vegetable plates, or a fresh side served beside a lunchtime sandwich or on a colourful raw vegetable plate.
Direct sow outdoors during cool weather because radishes tolerate frost and perform best under moderate temperatures. Place seeds about 1.3 cm (1/2 in) deep in loose, fertile, well-drained soil, then thin seedlings to roughly 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in) apart. Germination generally takes 5 to 10 days when soil temperatures are near 13 to 24°C (55 to 75°F). Keep moisture uniform to support evenly shaped roots and prevent an excessively strong flavour. Avoid heavy, compacted ground that restricts smooth root development or causes distinctly irregular root shapes.
Make small sowings every 10 days or every 1 to 2 weeks to spread the harvest over the season. Pull roots as soon as they reach the preferred size while they remain firm; radishes held too long or exposed to heat may become fibrous or develop flower stalks. ‘Malaga’ suits kitchen gardens, raised beds, and sufficiently deep containers. Slice the roots for sandwiches, salads, and vegetable plates. Tender leaves are also edible after thorough washing, and flowering plants reserved for seed require cross-pollination with another radish plant to develop viable seed pods.
In the garden
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sowing guide
Sowing & germination
Sowing depth
1.3 cm (1/2 in)
Spacing / density
2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in) after thinning
Germination temperature
13 to 24°C (55 to 75°F)
Germination time
5 to 10 days
Sowing period
Direct sow outdoors during cool weather; tolerates frost
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Direct sow ‘Malaga’ radish outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked, then continue through cool periods. Prepare loose, clod-free soil so the roots can develop evenly. Make a furrow about 1.3 cm (1/2 in) deep, space the seeds, cover lightly, and water with a fine spray. Soil near 13 to 24°C (55 to 75°F) generally supports emergence in 5 to 10 days. Keep the surface moist without waterlogging it. After emergence, thin seedlings to 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in), depending on the root size desired. Radishes develop best without transplanting or root disturbance. Sow small amounts every 10 days or every 1 to 2 weeks. Lightweight row cover can protect young foliage from flea beetles. Harvest when roots are firm and deeply coloured. Tourne-Sol does not list a maturity period for this cultivar; Baker Creek gives about 35 days, which is best treated as a guide that may shift with actual garden conditions. Label every sowing with its date. Pull weeds by hand before they compete with seedlings, and inspect the root shoulders regularly so the crop is harvested while crisp and mild at maturity.
Soil and care
Soil & care
Care level
Easy
Watering
Maintain uniform moisture from sowing through root development. Use a fine spray until emergence so the seeds are not displaced, then water more deeply when the surface begins to dry. Alternating drought and excess water can reduce root texture and uniformity. During warm weather or in containers, check the mix daily without leaving standing water. Consistent irrigation also helps keep the flavour mild and the white flesh crisp.
Soil type
Radish ‘Malaga’ prefers loose, deep, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with finished organic matter. Sandy or loamy texture supports smooth, round root development. Improve heavy ground with mature compost and remove stones or large clods before sowing. The soil should hold uniform moisture without remaining saturated because drought stress strengthens the flavour and reduces texture quality. Avoid fresh manure and excessive compaction around the developing roots.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before sowing when the soil lacks organic matter. A soil test can determine whether additional nutrients are needed. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage instead of roots, and do not use fresh manure. For this quick crop, fertile, balanced soil is usually sufficient. In containers, begin with a lightly enriched potting mix and avoid repeated heavy feeding during the short harvest cycle.
Moisture
Even soil moisture
Seasonal care
In spring, sow as soon as the soil is workable and loose. Protect early rows with lightweight cover if flea beetles are active, then monitor emergence and thin promptly to prevent competition. Maintain uniform moisture, especially as the roots begin to swell. In summer, favour cooler periods and light afternoon protection if the garden becomes intensely hot. High temperatures can speed flower-stalk development and reduce root tenderness, so harvest promptly. Replace the cleared row with another crop or make another small sowing when conditions are suitable. Resume sowing in late summer for an autumn harvest; radishes tolerate light frost. Remove damaged roots and diseased debris, then rotate with a different botanical family the following year. To save seed, allow several healthy plants to flower and produce pods. Radish requires pollination between plants, so isolate ‘Malaga’ from other flowering radish varieties when maintaining the cultivar. During winter, clean containers, record successful sowing dates, and store fully dried seed in a cool, dark, dry location. Review notes before planning the next series of ten-day or one-to-two-week sowings. A light cover of shredded leaves or compost can protect the soil surface between crop cycles, but keep it away from a newly seeded line. Check that tools, boxes, and labels are clean before spring returns. When planning the rotation, avoid placing the next radish crop immediately where another Brassicaceae crop recently grew, especially if root disease or insect pressure was observed.
Container growing
Container growing
Recommended pot size
At least 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) deep
Radish ‘Malaga’ grows well in a container when the mix is deep enough for the root and remains loose. Choose a box at least 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) deep with plenty of drainage holes. Fill it with a light soilless mix enriched with a small amount of mature compost; straight garden soil compacts too easily in a pot. Sow 1.3 cm (1/2 in) deep and thin seedlings to 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in). Place the container in full sun during cool weather. Water with a fine spray until emergence, then keep the mix uniformly moist without leaving water in a saucer. Small pots dry quickly, so check daily during windy or warm periods. Avoid repeated applications of high-nitrogen fertilizer. Make several small sowings instead of filling the entire box on one day to spread the harvest. Pull roots as soon as they reach the preferred size, renew tired mix when needed, and remove plants that develop flower stalks unless they are intentionally reserved for seed production. Label every section with its sowing date and rotate the box if light reaches it mainly from one side.
Bloom and dimensions
Size, flowering & harvest
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Annual deciduous foliage
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Leaf rosette above a round root
Bloom period
Radish is normally harvested before flowering. Under heat or when retained for seed, it develops a stalk bearing four-petalled flowers typical of the Brassicaceae family. These blooms require pollen from another radish plant to form seed. Allow several healthy plants to flower, avoid insecticides on open blooms, and isolate them from other flowering radish varieties when maintaining ‘Malaga’ true to type is important. Flowering may attract small pollinating insects to the garden.
Fruiting
After cross-pollination between plants, the flowers produce pods containing seed. Allow pods to mature and dry on several healthy plants before harvesting them in dry weather. Finish drying away from moisture, then separate seed from the debris. Isolate ‘Malaga’ from other flowering radish varieties to limit crossing, and label saved seed with the cultivar name and harvest year before cool, dry storage.
Harvest
Harvest when roots are firm and have reached the preferred size
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
Pair Radish ‘Malaga’ with cool-season crops that appreciate loose soil and even moisture, such as lettuce, spinach, peas, or carrots. Radishes can temporarily occupy space between slower rows because they are harvested quickly. Preserve enough light and air, then remove roots promptly to prevent competition. These combinations mainly use space efficiently; they do not replace Brassicaceae crop rotation or monitoring for flea beetles and root maggots. Avoid placing the radish beneath dense mature foliage that would reduce light or interfere with regular watering and harvest checks.
Garden use
Use the crisp roots raw, thinly sliced in salads, sandwiches, or vegetable plates. Their dark-purple skin and white flesh create an especially decorative contrast. Tender young leaves can also be added to salads or cooked as greens after thorough washing. For a tender texture and mild flavour, harvest firm roots without leaving them to grow too long. Remove the tops before refrigerating the roots so they retain moisture and remain crisp until preparation. Use them promptly for the freshest flavour and texture.
Recipe idea
From garden to table
Edible parts
Roots and tender young leaves
Prepare a crisp Radish ‘Malaga’ salad for four. Thinly slice 10 to 12 washed radishes and combine them with 1 cucumber cut into half-moons, 30 ml (2 tbsp) chopped chives, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) sunflower seeds. Whisk together 30 ml (2 tbsp) oil, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, 5 ml (1 tsp) honey, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Add the dressing just before serving to preserve the crisp texture and dark-purple colour. Serve beside sandwiches, grain dishes, or grilled vegetables. Healthy tender leaves can be washed, chopped, and added in a small amount. Store undressed radishes separately in the refrigerator for several days; dressed salad softens more quickly. Remove any damaged portions before preparation and wash all garden produce thoroughly under clean running water. For a milder variation, add diced apple or replace part of the lemon juice with cider vinegar. Serve the salad immediately after dressing.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How should Radish ‘Malaga’ be sown?
Direct sow outdoors in loose soil as soon as the ground can be worked and throughout cool periods. Make a furrow about 1.3 cm (1/2 in) deep, place the seeds, cover lightly, and water with a fine spray. A soil temperature of 13 to 24°C (55 to 75°F) generally supports emergence in 5 to 10 days. Keep the surface moist without waterlogging it. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in). Avoid transplanting removed seedlings because disturbing the taproot can affect its shape. Repeat small sowings every 10 days or every 1 to 2 weeks for a longer harvest.
How can the roots remain mild and crisp?
Grow Radish ‘Malaga’ during cool periods and maintain uniform moisture. Soil that dries completely can strengthen the peppery flavour and reduce texture quality, while prolonged saturation limits oxygen around the roots. Water with a fine spray after sowing, then provide deeper irrigation when the surface begins to dry. Thin plants to 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in) so roots have room to form, and harvest them while firm rather than letting them age in the ground. Heat encourages flower-stalk development; pause and sow again in late summer if conditions become too warm. Remove the leaves before refrigerating harvested roots to help them retain moisture and crispness.
When should Radish ‘Malaga’ be harvested?
The official product page does not provide a days-to-maturity figure for ‘Malaga’. Instead, begin checking roots when their purple shoulders become visible at the soil line. Pull one to assess diameter, firmness, and texture, then harvest the others when they match the size you want. Regular picking prevents roots from becoming oversized, fibrous, or excessively peppery. Water the previous day if the ground is very dry, then grasp the foliage close to the crown for easier pulling. Remove the tops before placing clean, dry roots in the refrigerator. Staggered sowings create several small harvest windows instead of one large supply that must be used immediately.
Can Radish ‘Malaga’ be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a box at least 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) deep with several drainage holes. Fill it with a light, aerated soilless mix instead of compact garden soil. Sow 1.3 cm (1/2 in) deep, thin seedlings to 2.5 to 7.5 cm (1 to 3 in), and place the box in full sun during cool weather. Keep the mix uniformly moist because containers dry quickly, but empty any saucer that holds water. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer and harvest roots as soon as they reach the preferred size. To extend the harvest, reserve small sections for sowings made on different dates rather than planting the whole container at once.
Are Radish ‘Malaga’ seeds organic and open-pollinated?
Yes. Ferme Tourne-Sol offers this packet of 250 seeds as an organic product certified by Ecocert Canada. The farm also describes its seeds as open-pollinated and suitable for seed saving. To maintain ‘Malaga’, allow several healthy plants to flower and form pods because radish seed develops after pollination between plants. Isolate them from other flowering radish varieties to limit crossing. Harvest pods when mature and dry, finish drying them away from moisture, then separate the seeds from debris. Label the envelope with the cultivar and harvest year, and store fully dried seed in a cool, dark, dry place until the next sowing season.
Wildlife and pets
Wildlife & precautions
Supporting wildlife
Plants harvested for their roots do not usually flower. Those allowed to bolt produce blooms visited by insect pollinators, which are required for radish seed formation. Keep several plants, avoid insecticides on open flowers, and provide other blooms nearby. Activity varies with weather and habitat. Mature pods can later be collected for seed when cultivar isolation has been maintained.
Seed-starting essentials
Click a product to build your selection.
Your selection
Total
Outils
Compostage et écologie
