Giant Radishes.

Manawatu Herald, 23 March 1895, Page 3

Giant Radishes.

Mr Stephens, of Pembroke Road has brought to our office says the Egmont Post a number of Chinese radishes of abnormal size. They weigh from 81bs upwards, and they have'' attained the weight of upwards of 71bs, and even as much as 9ilbs. It would he supposed that the vegetable would be naturally Btringy, tough, and excessively hot. Strange to say they are as crisp and tender as the freshest young radish that could be grown, the flavor being all that could be desired, as a good many can testify who sampled one which was lefo in our office on Saturday afternoon. Another special feature is their digestibility, it being found that in many cases where eating the ordinary radish produces ladigestion, these larger species cause no such unpleasant effects. They were grown from seed imported from China, and the bunch of five which Mr Stephens brought in for our delectation, and that of those who assisted to sample them, just turned the scale at 10&lbs for the lot. As Mr Stephens remarked, " I sometimes take in 141bs for my family's tea we are seven, all told including the baby, and there is very little left I can assure you." The tops make grand spinach, incomparably superior to turnip tops. Two of the vegetables were left at Mr Curtis' store, and other two at Mr Pato^'s. They are planted in rows, about a foot apart, the plants themselves being about six inches apart. A small bed of them say about 12 or 15 feet square would keep a family constantly for about 8 or 4 months. They do not get tough by remaining in the ground, but are tender and crisp for months together. We have tasted nothing like them, and the soil in this district is found to suit their growth admirably. The yield is magnificent, and the vegetable is one that should become very popular among all classes of horticulturists. Mr Stephens can supply seed at the proper season, and will be glad to bring down a few of the radishes to anyone wishing to obtain some for private use. The proper name for this kind of radish is the " Chinese Invincible."