Sea Radish
Raphanus maritima

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Raphanus maritima is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

A plant of the drift-line and cliffs on sandy and rocky shores.

Coasts of Europe, including Britain, from the Netherlands to N. Spain, Mediterranean, Black Sea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb. A somewhat hot taste. Root - cooked as a potherb or used as a substitute for horseradish. Flowers - raw. A nice addition to salads. Young seedpods - raw. Crisp and juicy, they must be eaten when young because they quickly become tough and fibrous.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a rich soil with ample moisture. Dislikes very heavy soils. The seeds are dispersed by sea-water, in which they can float for 7 - 10 days without loss of viability.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. raphanistrum maritimus.