Raphanus sativus 'Zlata' – Golden yellow radish for spring and autumn cultivation

The Raphanus sativus 'Zlata' is a unique yellow radish variety, named after the Croatian word for golden yellow. This radish stands out for its unusual color, robustness, and mild, crunchy flavor. Zlata is ideal for gardeners who want to experiment with colorful and flavorful radishes, and makes a wonderful addition to salads and culinary creations.

Characteristics of Raphanus sativus 'Zlata'

Zlata radishes form compact, golden-yellow radishes with a round to slightly cylindrical shape. The flesh remains firm and tender even when the tubers grow slightly larger, and the radishes become hardly fibrous. These characteristics make Zlata perfect for eating raw, in salads, sandwiches, or as a decorative garnish.

The bright yellow color clearly distinguishes Zlata from the classic red radishes found in supermarkets. By growing your own, you can enjoy fresh, colorful radishes with a mild, slightly spicy flavor, which offer both visual and culinary benefits.

The plant develops a sturdy rosette of dark green leaves that protect the tubers and encourage even growth. Zlata is very robust, resistant to changing conditions in spring and autumn, and suitable for both outdoor and greenhouse cultivation.

Cultivation and growth habit

Raphanus sativus 'Zlata' can be sown outdoors or in a greenhouse from late February to early September. The radishes are ready to harvest after about 30–35 days, making successive sowings easy to ensure a continuous harvest of fresh yellow radishes.

Important cultivation characteristics:

• Sowing period: End of February to beginning of September, outdoors or in a greenhouse.

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

• Harvest period: May to October, depending on sowing date and growing conditions.

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

Zlata is less suitable for the warm summer months, so the focus is on spring and autumn cultivation. By sowing new seeds every three weeks, a continuous supply of fresh, golden-yellow radishes can be guaranteed.

Benefits of Raphanus sativus 'Zlata'

1. Unusual golden yellow color: Unique visual accent for salads and culinary applications.

2. Firm and tender: Remains soft and crunchy, even with slightly larger tubers.

3. Robust and reliable: Suitable for cultivation in spring and autumn.

4. Minimally fibrous and bolt-free: Even overripe tubers remain tasty.

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

Care tips

To ensure optimal growth of the Raphanus sativus 'Zlata':

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

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

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

• Harvest early; overripe radishes can become sharp and woody.

Culinary applications

The Zlata radish is a colorful and versatile addition to any kitchen. Its golden yellow color and crunchy texture make it ideal for salads, raw dishes, sandwiches, or as a decorative garnish. The mild, slightly spicy flesh can also be prepared lightly, such as stir-fries or stews, without losing its texture. Its striking color and robust characteristics make Zlata perfect for sale or presentation in professional kitchens.

Why choose Raphanus sativus 'Zlata'?

The Zlata radish combines unique color, robustness, and reliable cultivation in a single, high-quality radish. For home gardeners, this means a consistent harvest of fresh, golden-yellow radishes in spring and autumn. For professional growers, Zlata offers uniform, flavorful radishes that are both visually and gastronomically appealing. The combination of color, flavor, and versatile uses makes Zlata a favorite for gardens, kitchens, and markets.

With the Raphanus sativus 'Zlata' you bring a colorful, crunchy, and robust radish into your home, ideal for spring and autumn cultivation.