Raphanus raphanistrum aka Wild Radish

Taxonomy

Genus Raphanus Family Brassicaceae Order Brassicales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta

Raphanus raphanistrum, commonly known as wild radish, white charlock or jointed charlock, is a member of the Brassicaceae family. Originally native to western Asia, Europe and parts of Northern Africa, it has been introduced to many parts of the world and is now considered an invasive species in areas such as Australia. The species includes a diverse variety of cultivated radishes, with one of its subspecies, Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus, being commonly grown. Wild Radish is a weed of disturbed sites, waste areas, roadsides, crops, pastures, waterways, floodplains and open woodlands in temperate, sub-tropical, semi-arid and sometimes also tropical regions. It is widely naturalised in many parts of Australia, particularly in the southern and eastern regions. Despite being an invasive species, Wild Radish is also grown as a houseplant, thriving in direct light and regular watering.

Common names

Wild Radish, Radish, Sea Radish

How to care for Wild Radish

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Wild Radish, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Wild Radish should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Wild Radish is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Wild Radish requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Wild Radish will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Wild Radish plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Wild Radish is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Wild Radish’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Norway south to N. Africa.

More info:
Wikipedia

Report a problem