In the old days, Chinese radish was supplied to the territory of modern Russia along the Silk Road through Uzbekistan. The first to plant vegetables were the residents of Margelan, which is located in the Fergana Valley. The root crop, which also has the name loba, ripens in 2 months and takes root in a sharply continental climate. Margelan radish is grown in Siberia, the Urals, the south, and the north of the country. It contains much more minerals than other crops from the Cabbage family.
Description of the variety
Margelan radish produces a spreading rosette of leaves. The weight of the vegetable does not exceed 500 grams. The juicy root vegetable has a cylindrical shape and short length. Its skin is green and light purple. The pulp has the same shade. The tip of the fruit is usually white. There is a red radish, but there is a green stripe near its tops. Fruits, which from 1 sq. m are harvested up to 6 kg, have a pleasant taste, do not taste bitter, and are stored for a long time.
Benefits and harms
Chinese or Margelan radish, containing a small amount of calories, cleanses the intestines, speeds up metabolism, and removes toxins. Vegetables saturate the body with minerals in the form of:
- potassium and calcium;
- iron and zinc;
- phosphorus and magnesium;
- sulfur and copper.
Selenium and iodine present in the root vegetable alleviate the human condition with endocrine disorders. Although in this varieties of radish There are fewer vitamins than in other varieties, but they are represented by several groups, including riboflavin, pyridoxine, tocopherol, ascorbic and pantothenic acid. When consuming a product rich in fiber, pectin, and polysaccharides:
- The production of gastric juice is normalized.
- The functioning of the liver is stimulated.
- Bile is liquefied.
- Reduces pain due to rheumatism.
Chinese radish helps eliminate inflammatory processes and disinfects the skin.
Excessive consumption of vegetables can lead to unpleasant consequences. The substances present in it give the milk an unpleasant odor, which causes a bloated stomach in babies. It is worth limiting the consumption of Chinese radish in case of pancreatitis, ulcers or gastritis of the stomach, kidney pathologies, or a tendency to allergies.
Pregnant women should not eat root vegetables, as this can lead to miscarriage and placental abruption.
Seed preparation
Chinese radish is not very demanding on the soil; many people grow it in their gardens and dachas. If the planting time is determined correctly, the crop can be harvested twice during the summer. Success largely depends on the quality of the seeds; it is imperative to select healthy and large grains. To do this, they are placed in a composition prepared from a quarter glass of salt and a liter of water.
Immediately before planting, the seeds are soaked for a day in a solution of potassium permanganate or for 10 minutes in heated hydrogen peroxide. You can improve the germination of the crop by dipping the grains in an infusion of ash for 6 hours.
Choosing a site for growing Margelan radish
Experienced gardeners recommend planting root vegetables in the garden bed where tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and beans previously grew. The vegetable takes root well on different lands. But acidic soils require preliminary liming; heavy clay soil is diluted with sand and peat. The area where cabbage and other cruciferous crops were grown last season is not suitable for root crops.
Landing
Chinese radish takes root in regions with a sharply continental climate, is unpretentious in care, and produces a good harvest of tasty and healthy food products.
Landing dates
Plants begin to sow when the air warms up to 18 degrees. Chinese radishes are sent to open ground in early May, and planted for long-term storage in June.
If the growing season of the crop falls during a period when daylight hours exceed 15 hours, the radish begins to bloom profusely instead of forming fruits. The sowing time must be chosen taking into account the climate of the region.
The soil
A bed selected for Chinese radish is dug up in the fall using a spade, organic matter and mineral fertilizers are added. Before planting, fertilize with compost. Fresh manure should be avoided. Sandy soil needs to be fed more.
Boarding procedure
Having selected and prepared a bed for Margelan radish, holes are made in the ground every 15 centimeters. Up to 5 treated seeds are placed in these holes to a depth of 2 cm, soil is poured on top and watered. Protect the seedlings from frost with film. The distance between rows of radishes should be at least 50 cm.
Care
To collect 6 kg of juicy root crops from a square meter of land, you need to take maximum care of the crop. Margelan radish needs:
- water:
- thin out;
- feed.
Without proper care, there will not be a good harvest. The crop will lose resistance to disease and large root crops will not form.
Thinning
After the shoots emerge, the film is removed. When 3 or 4 leaves form on the plant, it is necessary to remove defective shoots and weed out the weeds. Thin out the radish repeatedly until one bush remains in each hole. The tops of the fruits that rise above the ground must be hilled, otherwise they will become coarse. To ensure air flow to the roots, yellowed leaves and some green ones are torn off.
Watering
Margelan radish is drought-resistant, but loves water. The beds are moistened abundantly, this is especially often done when root crops begin to form. During rains, watering is stopped; in hot weather, it is necessary to moisten the soil at least 2 times a week.
Top dressing
Before planting the crop, organic matter and mineral fertilizers are added to the soil.When seedlings emerge, the plant needs nutrients. For feeding, fermented grass or rotted mullein is used. During the growing season, the bed is fertilized a couple of times, always during the formation of fruits.
Prevention
Carrying out certain measures helps prevent the development of diseases in radishes and avoid insect invasion. After planting the seeds, tobacco and wood ash are sprinkled on the soil. The second time this treatment is started when the sprouts emerge. Regular hilling of the tops of fruits will protect them from slugs.
Margelan radish tolerates frost normally; there is no need to cover the plant with film in the fall.
Diseases and pests
The crop most often suffers from powdery mildew, is affected by black leg, and dies from white rot. Careful removal of weeds and excess leaves, digging up remaining roots in the fall, and following the rules of crop rotation can prevent the development of these diseases. Chinese radish is loved by cruciferous flea beetles, and the crop is affected by the cabbage fly. Treating the soil with tobacco and ash helps protect the plant from these pests.
Harvesting and storage
Root crops react negatively to weather changes and lower temperatures. You cannot leave them in the ground until late autumn.
Early varieties are dug up 2 months after the sprouts appear, late varieties are harvested after 100–110 days. Harvesting is carried out in the morning or evening in dry weather. Root vegetables are pulled out by the leaves, after which they are cleared of soil.
Without cracks and dents, Margelan radish will not spoil or lose its taste until spring if it is stored at zero temperature and high humidity. The vegetable is used in salads, suitable for pickling, stewing and pickling.Root vegetables supply the human body with vitamins and minerals that are lacking in winter.
