Organic 'Felicia' radish (Raphanus sativus) from Gaia seed company, a colorful and sweet variety with fast growth
The 'Felicia' radish is an heirloom variety notable for its vibrant colour: a deep purple cylindrical root, contrasting with a white tip. Its crunchy texture and mild flavour make it perfect for eating raw in salads, sandwiches or pickled. Very quick to mature, it is ideal for successive sowings throughout spring and autumn, ensuring a continuous harvest.
Spread: compact habit, suitable for close crops
Plant height: 15 to 20 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 200 seeds
Companion plants: carrot, lettuce, bean, beet, cabbage, kale, nasturtium, alliums, spinach, squash, cucumber
Enemy plants: melon, turnip, pumpkin, sunflower, potato, hyssop
Cultivation method
Sow directly in the ground as soon as the soil can be worked, in spring or fall. To speed germination, soak seeds in lukewarm water for 12 hours before sowing. Plant 1/2” (1.3 cm) deep , spacing plants 1 to 4” (2.5 to 10 cm) apart and rows 8 to 12” (20 to 30 cm) apart . Radish 'Felicia' prefers well-drained, moist soil , with full sun to partial shade . Maintain regular watering to prevent roots from becoming fibrous or too prickly.
Harvesting and storage
Harvest when the roots reach a good size and remain firm in the soil, about 25 days after sowing . To optimize their conservation, cut the tops and place the radishes in a perforated bag in the refrigerator at 1-2°C with a relative humidity of 85-90% . They can thus be stored for up to 3-4 weeks .
Long-term preservation methods
Freezing: Cut radishes into rounds, blanch briefly and freeze for later use in soups or stir-fries.
Fermentation: Prepare crunchy pickles with vinegar and spices for a tangy touch that's perfect as an accompaniment.
Dehydration: Dry radish slices to use as seasoning or vegetable chips.
Recipe for Felicia radish tartines with lemon butter and fleur de sel
Ingredients :
- 1 bunch of 'Felicia' radishes, washed and cut into thin slices
- 4 slices of toasted country bread
- 50 g of unsalted butter (or vegetable butter), softened
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 pinch of fleur de sel
- 1 pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- A few sprigs of chopped chives (optional)
Preparation :
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter with the lemon juice, fleur de sel and pepper.
- Spread the slices of bread generously with this flavored butter.
- Arrange the radish slices on the bread, overlapping them slightly.
- Sprinkle with fleur de sel and chopped chives
- Serve immediately as a starter or aperitif.
A simple and elegant recipe that highlights the sweetness of the 'Felicia' radish with a touch of freshness and crunch!
With its original look and sweet flavor , the 'Felicia' Radish is a must-have for adding color and crunch to your vegetable garden and your plates!
