Proper harvesting is as important as all other stages of cultivation. Especially if it is supposed that the root crop should be kept long enough, for example, as a black radish.
In this article you will get acquainted with the main features of harvesting and storing radishes of different varieties.
On the beds are mainly grown 2 types of radishes: black and green. Also, its varieties differ in the period of maturation (summer, autumn, winter). From all these factors and the timing of harvesting radish from the beds.
When to clean the black radish?
Before planting black radish, you should determine exactly what kind of variety it is and how you plan to use it. This is very important for determining the time when it will be necessary to dig a black radish .
Summer grades. Since the end of May, it is already possible to start harvesting the largest root crops from the bed. Most often, those radishes are collected that have reached 4 cm in diameter. After digging out of it, you need to shake off the soil, remove the small roots and cut off the tops. These roots are stored in the refrigerator for 7 to 20 days while maintaining a constant temperature of + 1-2 ° C and high humidity (about 96%).
Autumn varieties. This radish is sown in June, and is harvested already in August and before the beginning of September. It will be stored long enough if it is put in boxes with sand and put in the basement.
Winter varieties. To this radish could lie throughout the winter, it must be collected on time. Most often this is done in late October to early November. But, if you do not wait for her full maturity, then this will negatively affect her liveliness. Also, you should know that the radish tolerates even small frosts badly, so do not delay it by the end of November, even if you live in a region with a mild climate.
In order for the fruit to preserve all its juices, after digging, a long root and tops are cut off from it. To store in winter, the most healthy and large specimens should be selected.
Long-term storage of black radish can be done in several ways:
- In a refrigerator. Fruit should be laid immediately after harvesting. In the chamber where they will be placed, should be not less than 0 ° С.
- In the cellar. You can fold it into boxes with wet sand and keep the room temperature + 2-3 ° C and humidity 80-85%. Also, it can be stored in bulk with a height of 1 m. In the second case, the humidity in the cellar should be slightly higher (90%).
- In a film bag. For these purposes, a bag with a density of 100-150 μm is suitable, which should be kept at +1 - 3 ° C.
- Earth pit with insulation. In such conditions, it can be stored in boxes where it will lie sprinkled with earth or sand.
During the entire storage period, you should check the radish. This is necessary for the timely removal of impaired fruits, in order to avoid the loss of the entire crop.
When to clean the green radish?
This variety of radish differs from black with a more pleasant taste, as it lacks bitterness, softness of root vegetables and their juiciness.
To make a reserve for the winter Margelan (green) radishes, it must be collected in late autumn. To do this, you must first plant the tops and after it dries you can start digging. Before storing the radish, it is necessary to scan and remove the damaged fruits, since they will not survive the wintering. You can store it, as well as black, in the cellar or cellar at + 2 ° С. Observance of all recommendations for harvesting and storing radishes, will help you keep its useful properties for a longer period.