Sea Radish

Raphanus maritima

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Seedpod Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb[2, 183]. A somewhat hot taste. Root - cooked as a potherb or used as a substitute for horseradish[2, 183]. 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.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known