Raphanus sativus 'Viola' – Bright purple radish for all seasons

The Raphanus sativus 'Viola' is a striking purple radish that thrives in both gardens and greenhouses. This variety stands out for its intense purple color, mildly spicy flavor, and robust character. Suitable for cultivation from spring to autumn, Viola consistently delivers fresh, crunchy radishes. Its colorful appearance and mild flavor make it an ideal choice for home gardeners, professional growers, and culinary enthusiasts.

Characteristics of Raphanus sativus 'Viola'

Viola produces compact, bright purple radishes with a crunchy texture and mildly spicy flesh. The radishes are barely fibrous, even when fully developed, ensuring they remain tender and flavorful. The vibrant purple color makes this radish a visually appealing addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish, providing a striking contrast on the plate.

The plant develops a sturdy, dark green rosette of leaves that protect the tubers and encourage even growth. Viola is very robust, resistant to changing weather conditions, and suitable for cultivation in various seasons.

Cultivation and growth habit

Raphanus sativus 'Viola' can be sown both outdoors and in a greenhouse from late February to late August. Due to its early maturity, this radish can be harvested after just 30–35 days, making successive sowings easy and allowing for a continuous harvest of fresh radishes.

Important cultivation characteristics:

• Sowing period: End of February to end of August, outdoors or in a greenhouse.

• Sowing method: Direct row sowing, with 20 cm between the rows and 3 cm between the plants in the row.

• Harvest period: Approximately 30–35 days after sowing, depending on growing conditions.

• Soil and water: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil; constant watering prevents sharpness and woodiness.

By sowing new seeds every 3 weeks, a continuous supply of fresh, purple Viola radishes can be achieved.

Benefits of Raphanus sativus 'Viola'

1. Bright purple color: Visually appealing for salads and culinary preparations.

2. Mildly spicy flavour: Ideal for raw consumption and light preparations.

3. Minimally fibrous: Remains tender and crunchy, even when fully developed.

4. Robust and reliable: Suitable for cultivation in different seasons and conditions.

5. Perfect for successive sowing: For a constant harvest of fresh radishes.

Care tips

To grow the Raphanus sativus 'Viola' optimally:

• Keep the soil evenly moist so the radishes stay crisp and tender.

• Use light, well-drained soil for healthy root development.

• Thin the seedlings where necessary to allow sufficient space for optimal growth.

• Harvest early; overripe radishes can become pungent or woody.

Culinary applications

The Viola radish is a versatile addition to the kitchen. Its bright purple color and crunchy texture make it ideal for salads, raw dishes, sandwiches, or as a colorful garnish. The mildly spicy flesh can also be lightly prepared, such as stir-frying or stewing, without losing its texture. Thanks to its uniform shape and robust growth, Viola is also suitable for sale and culinary presentation in restaurants and markets.

Why choose Raphanus sativus 'Viola'?

The Viola radish combines a unique color, mild flavor, and reliable cultivation in a single, high-quality radish. For home gardeners, this means a consistent harvest of fresh, purple radishes throughout the season. For professional growers, Viola offers uniform, flavorful radishes that are both visually and gastronomically appealing. The combination of color, flavor, and robustness makes Viola a favorite for gardens, kitchens, and markets.

With the Raphanus sativus 'Viola' you bring a bright purple, crunchy, and tasty radish into your home, ideal for growing from spring to autumn.