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

To ensure optimal growth, the Wild Radish prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

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

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