Radish
الفجل · Raphanus sativus
A very fast root vegetable with a sharp taste. Grown in the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Al-Qassim and Hail.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | الفجل |
|---|---|
| English name | Radish |
| Scientific name | Raphanus sativus |
| Family | Cabbage family (Brassicaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual root vegetable |
| Height | 20 to 40 cm |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
October to January
Harvest time
November to February
After 25 to 35 daysJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Rough lobed leaves and a swollen red or white root, round or long.
Where it grows
Grown in farms and home gardens in winter.
Soil
Light, moist soil without stones.
Water and irrigation
Regular watering. Dryness makes the root hot and hollow.
Climate and light
Likes cool weather and sun.
Propagation
By seed sown directly.
Benefits and uses
- One of the fastest vegetables (3-5 weeks)
- Both root and leaves can be eaten
- Rich in vitamin C
- Great for teaching kids to garden
Drawbacks
- Gets woody if harvested late
- Does not handle heat
- Root flies attack it
Important notes
Harvest early as soon as it reaches a good size.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Raphanus sativus
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Raphanus sativus
- Wikipedia: Radish
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)