A Radishing Affair: The Great Radish Trial of 1901

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This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:

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May 7, 1901

On this day, the hallowed halls of the Royal Horticultural Society's Drill Hall in Chiswick bore witness to a most intriguing spectacle: the Fruit and Vegetable Committee's thorough examination of sixteen distinct stocks of radishes.

This event, my dear garden enthusiasts, was but a small part of a grander trial of salad plants, a pursuit that would surely set the hearts of any true horticulturist aflutter.

Picture, if you will, the scene: rows upon rows of vibrant radishes, each sown with meticulous care in a cold frame on the 7th of March.

The diligent gardeners, in their wisdom, only employed the frame's lights on the chilliest of nights, allowing nature to work her magic on these humble roots.

Allow me to regale you with the particulars of these radiant radishes, each vying for the committee's favor:

1. Early Gem, courtesy of Veitch, made its debut on April 29. Its roots, a charming longish oval, boasted a scarlet hue kissed with white at the tip. With moderate foliage and a crisp, pleasant flavor, it set a promising tone for the proceedings.

2. Ever Tender, another Veitch offering, proved to be a mirror image of its successor, No. 3.

3. Gem, presented by Barr, distinguished itself from its namesake with a rounder form and paler scarlet complexion. It matched No. 1 in readiness and flavor, a worthy contender indeed.

4. Krewson's Oblong Black, brought forth by Masters, caused quite a stir. For you see, dear readers, it was not true to its name at all! The roots, rebellious in nature, chose to don a pristine white coat instead of the expected ebony.

5. Lily White, another Veitch creation, graced us with its presence on April 30. Its long, white roots and petite foliage cut a striking figure. Crisp and flavorful, it lived up to its elegant moniker.

6. Mortlake Gem, Carter's contribution, burst onto the scene on April 29. Oh, what a sight to behold! Turnip-shaped roots of white, adorned with a dazzling array of scarlet speckles and mottles. Its foliage, demure and short, only added to its charm. A crisp texture and delightful flavor cemented its status as a true gem among radishes.

7. Olive-shaped Extra Early Scarlet, courtesy of J. Veitch, proved to be a paragon of radish perfection. Ready for the table on April 26, it boasted deep round or olive-shaped roots and modest foliage. The committee deemed it excellent in all respects, crowning it one of the earliest and finest specimens. It's worth noting, dear gardeners, that this variety is synonymous with "Deep Scarlet Olive-shaped," which had previously been honored with a First Class Certificate on April 21, 1897.

8. Olive-shaped Extra Early White, another J. Veitch masterpiece, matched its scarlet sibling in both readiness and quality. This alabaster beauty shares its laurels with "Forcing White Olive-shaped" and "First of All White," both of which received an Award of Merit on May 10, 1898.

9. Olive-shaped Jewel, ready for our delectation on April 29, sported oblong roots of deep scarlet. Its foliage, remarkably diminutive, earned it the sobriquet "Leafless" in some circles. Crisp and flavorful, it had previously been recognized as "Olive-shaped Bright Red," receiving an Award of Merit on May 5, 1896.

10. Scarlet Queen, Barr's regal offering, made its entrance on April 30. Long, scarlet roots tipped with white and crowned with rather ample foliage characterized this crisp and sweet variety.

11. Triumph, from J. Veitch, proved to be a doppelganger of the aforementioned Mortlake Gem.

12. Turnip-shaped Extra Early Scarlet, another J. Veitch creation, was among the earliest to grace our palates on April 26. Its scarlet roots and diminutive foliage, coupled with a crisp texture and excellent flavor, earned it a place among the finest and most precocious varieties.

13. Turnip-shaped Extra Early White, the alabaster twin of No. 12, arrived fashionably late on April 29, a mere three days behind its scarlet counterpart.

14. Turnip-shaped Early White, Barr's contribution, proved indistinguishable from its predecessor.

15. Turnip-shaped, another Barr offering, joined the early birds on April 26. With deep, round, scarlet roots and very short foliage, it bore a striking resemblance to the esteemed No. 7.

16. Wood's Frame White, R. Veitch's final entry, made its debut on April 30. This pale iteration of the well-known Wood's Frame rounded out our illustrious lineup.

And there you have it, my fellow devotees of the garden.

A most comprehensive evaluation of these delightful spring morsels.

One can only imagine the lively discussions and heated debates that must have ensued among the committee members as they deliberated over the merits of each variety.

As we reflect on this horticultural history, let us not forget the timeless appeal of the humble radish.

Whether you prefer the classic scarlet globes or the more avant-garde speckled varieties, there is surely a radish to suit every palate and grace every garden.

Until our next horticultural adventure, may your beds be fertile and your harvests bountiful!

Radish harvest
Radish harvest

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