Radish Celeste F1 was bred by Dutch scientists specifically for large-scale farming enterprises, but amateur vegetable growers, learning about all the advantages of this form, took it into their arsenal. Today, the hybrid is in great demand both among professional vegetable growers and among ordinary summer residents. The reasons for such a good reputation, as well as the competent cultivation technique of the variety, read in this article.
Grade characteristics
First, let's look at what the Celeste F1 variety is all about.
Photo gallery
Botanical features
Radish Celeste F1 is a hybrid of early ripening and high yield. It is characterized by the following external varietal characteristics:
- standard roundish radish with a smooth surface;
- saturated red-pink color of the fetus;
- relatively large vegetables - the average weight of one radish is 30 g;
- white juicy subcutaneous part of excellent taste;
- stunted green part.
Did you know? The appearance in European countries of radishes is due to the Italian merchant Marco Polo, who, upon returning from his legendary journey (at the end of the 13th century), brought the seeds of this culture from China.
Advantages and disadvantages
- The main advantages of Celeste F1 include:
- ripening as soon as possible;
- good yield (from 1 m² of area you can collect up to 3.5 kg of root crops);
- high taste characteristics;
- the absence of troubles such as shooting and flare;
- suitability of the crop for long-term storage;
- excellent resistance to harmful insects and various diseases;
- preservation of commercial qualities during transportation over fairly long distances.
- The presented hybrid has also disadvantages, although insignificant:
- vegetable is forbidden to plant on saline, dense and excessively dry soils;
- radish stops growth in very humid land.
How to grow in your garden
The farmer's task is to follow the standard rules of agricultural technology for cultivating radishes, as well as to take into account a number of features of Celeste F1.
Sowing dates
The variety is safely grown from mid-March to the end of November. But subject to a harsh climate, these dates can be adjusted. It is recommended to start sowing in early April. Winter sowing is also possible.
Seat selection and crop rotation
Under Celeste F1, it is necessary to distinguish areas with light loose sandy loamy or loamy soil. The variety develops well in the soil with a slightly acid reaction (at the level of 6.5–6.8 pH).
So that the plants do not experience a lack of nutrients, and the crop is larger, observe crop rotation. Radishes can not be sown on land where cruciferous crops used to grow, including mustard, cabbage, rape, rutabaga. After such predecessors, radishes will not be able to develop normally.Important! Sowing radishes is important to carry out in well-lit places. In conditions of severe shading, the plant will give excessive tops and poor-quality root crops.
It is best to sow radish after tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers.
Preparatory work
Before starting sowing, it is very important to carry out competent preparation of the bed and seeds.
Bed preparation
Preparing the soil in advance consists in digging it while cleaning up the garbage and weeds, as well as feeding it with organic additives (for example, diluted slurry). Organics provide radishes with maximum nutrients.
Seed selection and preparation
Radish Celeste F1 is on sale all year round, the reason for which is its good adaptability to various weather conditions.
To achieve a high yield, you need to slightly prepare the seeds for sowing. This stage includes the following activities:
- Two days before sowing, soak the seeds in a moist, natural cloth. The procedure can also be carried out with the placement of seeds under the freezer to slightly harden the future radish.
- Additionally, to disinfect for 12 hours, soak the grains in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After the specified time, you can start sowing.
Did you know? The landowner from Israel Nissan Tamir was able to grow radishes weighing 10 kg. This is the largest copy today in the Guinness Book of Records.
Sowing pattern and depth
Sow as follows:
- On the plowed area, form holes up to 2 cm deep. The distance between the rows should be at least 15 cm.
- Moisten the wells properly with warm water.
- Place prepared seed in pits at a distance of about 4 cm from each other.
- Sprinkle the holes with a little earth, but do not tamp.
After sowing, it is advisable to cover the area with agrofibre or film. Remove cover only when watering. Completely remove the so-called coverlet is allowed a few days after the formation of sprouts.Further care
Caring for the Celeste F1 radish is not too time consuming. Plants need regular irrigation, proper top dressing and soil care.
Watering
Watering should be sufficient, but make sure that the water does not stagnate in the garden, otherwise the root crops will begin to rot.
Shallow irrigation harms this crop, as it contributes to the formation of soil crust and the growth of weeds. Irrigation in two or three doses will allow water to penetrate deep enough into the soil. Use a watering can with a fine sieve for this. The best way to water is sprinkling on foliage. Use warm, well-maintained water.
Top dressing
The need for radish in fertilizers is determined by the appearance of the plant. If the tops are growing at an accelerated rate to the detriment of the formation of fruits, then the soil is oversaturated with nitrogen. Feed the plants with phosphorus and potassium to correct the situation. To do this, dissolve 40–50 g of superphosphate and 15–20 g of potassium sulfate in 10 l of water.
Video: Radish dressing and pest control
Pale green tops and slow growth of root crops indicate a lack of nitrogen. To make up for it, in one step add urea (1 tsp. To 10 l of water).
Important! Follow the measure in the amount of top dressing. If you overfeed the beds, then most of the sowing will go in the arrows.
Soil care
An important technique for soil care under radishes is loosening. In the first weeks after planting seedlings, loosen the soil carefully, to a shallow depth (2-3 cm), then deeper (5-6 cm), to facilitate better penetration of air and nutrients to the roots. Try to loosen the area after each irrigation or rain.
Along with loosening, as needed, free the bed from weeds.
Mulch the soil with dry humus and compost. Mulch also helps the soil stay warm and moist.
Harvesting
Celeste F1 reaches maturity in a fairly short time, already on the 24th day after sowing. But the ideal moment for collecting root crops is their average weight, that is, exactly one month after sowing. Harvest radishes simply by pulling the tops.
Vegetables perfectly withstand transportation over long distances, and after 3-4 days their initial appearance practically does not change. At the same time, it is preferable to transport the crop along with the tops. Keep the fruits in the refrigerator (in the vegetable compartment), before folding them in a plastic bag. The bag must have a ventilation hole or it can be opened a little. Under such conditions, the fruit will be stored for approximately 60 days. However, try to eat them before they have lost their taste.
As you can see, even beginners in gardening can cultivate the radish of the Celeste F1 variety. Having allocated a minimum of funds, time and effort, you can get a decent crop of quality root crops.
