Scarlet Round Radish Seeds Vilmorin - Early Open-Ground Variety

Scarlet Round Radish Seeds Vilmorin (Reference: 3881041) represents the very best of French vegetable seed. This traditional, time-tested variety has won over generations of gardeners through its ease of cultivation and outstanding eating qualities. Vilmorin, a cornerstone of gardening since 1743, offers this rigorous selection to guarantee the best results in your vegetable garden.

Uses and benefits of the scarlet round radish

The scarlet round radish is a staple of every kind of vegetable garden, from the smallest balcony to large family plots. Its rapid growth makes it the ideal choice for impatient gardeners and for children discovering the pleasure of gardening. This early variety allows harvesting just 3 to 4 weeks after sowing, giving several production cycles across the season.

In the kitchen, this radish stands out for its crisp white flesh and mildly peppery flavour. It is traditionally eaten raw with a pinch of salt and fresh butter, thinly sliced in mixed salads, or grated to add crunch to sandwiches. Caterers appreciate its handsome appearance and how well it holds after harvest.

Technical features and varietal strengths

This open-ground variety is characterised by perfectly round radishes of a deep, even scarlet red. Vilmorin's selection guarantees remarkable uniformity in the roots, in shape as much as in colour. Consistent sizing makes presentation and sale straightforward for professionals.

The seed shows a high germination rate and exceptional vigour from emergence. This variety adapts very well to the changeable weather of spring and autumn. Its natural resistance to the main radish diseases makes it a safe choice for growing without treatment.

The compact root system allows growing in confined spaces, ideal for urban vegetable gardens and planters. Even growth prevents the premature hollowing often seen in other varieties.

Sowing, planting and growing techniques

Surface sowing is the recommended technique for this radish variety. Prepare a fine, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A partial shade position suits it perfectly, especially during hot spells when full sun could cause premature bolting.

Sow thinly and evenly in rows 15 to 20 cm apart, covering the seed with barely 1 cm of fine soil. Gentle but regular watering maintains the moisture needed for germination. Thin out when the seedlings reach 2-3 cm, leaving 3-4 cm between each radish.

Crop rotation is essential: avoid growing radishes in the same spot two years running. Light hoeing keeps the soil aerated and limits competition from weeds. Regular but moderate watering prevents the roots from splitting and ensures the best texture.

Expert tips and companion planting

To get the most from your crop, make successive sowings every 15 days from March through to September. This keeps production continuous and avoids gluts that are hard to use up. The best windows are spring (March-May) and late summer (August-September), avoiding the peak heat.

Growing radishes alongside carrots, lettuces and spinach makes the best use of the space available. Radish works well as a catch crop between rows of slower-growing vegetables. Its quick harvest frees the ground again for what comes next.

Avoid any excess of nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth at the expense of the root. Overly rich soil produces hollow, stringy radishes. Go for a balanced amendment of well-rotted compost instead. Harvest as soon as the radishes reach 2-3 cm across, before they turn hot and fibrous. Keep the fresh tops to make delicious vitamin-rich soups.

Technical specifications