Radish is a relatively low-maintenance crop, usually ready to harvest in five to ten weeks, and you can harvest both roots and leaves at the same time. Start by sowing seeds and plan to plant radishes in spring or fall!
How to grow radishes is part of a series of tutorials on growing radishes. The tutorial also includes planting, comprehensive care, and harvesting. If you want to know how to grow radishes, follow this tutorial on growing radishes from the production department. Learn with diagrams.
How to grow radishes
1Plant in spring or fall. Raids thrive in cooler temperatures, so you should plant them while the soil is still cool. For spring radishes, sow seeds outdoors three weeks before the last forecast frost. For fall radishes, sow them in mid-summer, about two months before the first frost in winter.
- Soil temperatures should average at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) when seeds germinate, but temperatures of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 21 degrees Celsius) will promote maximum and rapid growth.
- Fall radishes are generally sweeter than spring radishes and are less likely to attract root maggots.
2Choose a good planting location. Raids thrive in full sun, so the location you choose should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, if not more. - Ideally, you should also choose a location with naturally loose soil and good drainage. You can improve soil conditions if necessary, but starting with good soil conditions will make your job easier.
- Also remember that radishes prefer soil with a pH of 6.5. Most soils are not very acidic or alkaline, so testing is not necessary. But if your radishes aren't doing well, consider taking a sample to a nearby university, or go to a garden nursery or home improvement store and purchase a home pH test.Kit to test soil pH.
3Improve soil conditions. Use a rake or shovel to start loosening the soil at 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm), then mix in a 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) layer of compost. - For better results, consider mixing a few handfuls of retting manure with compost.
4Spread seeds. Spread the seeds as evenly as possible in the prepared soil. Gently cover the seeds with 1/4 inch (6 mm) of soil for spring radishes or 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) for fall radishes. - You can also sow seeds in rows, 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart.
- Remember: Regardless of location, germination usually takes 7 to 14 days.
- After planting, make sure they are evenly watered. Do not saturate the seeds as this will flush them out of the soil, but the top layer of soil should be moist to the touch.
5Make sure the seedlings are not crowded. When the seedlings reach 4 inches (10 cm) in height, pull out the weakest ones so that the strongest ones have more space and resources. Early varieties are less crowded when spaced 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) apart, while standard or dominant varieties require 6 inches (15 cm) apart. - However, if you grow radishes just for their leaves, you should not space them out.
- Generally the leaves of the removed plants are sufficient for consumption.
Materials that may be used
- Radish seeds
- Soil pH test tool
- Compost
- Retting
- Gardening shovel or rake
- Water bottle or garden hose
- Mulch film
- Food-safe fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus
- Food-safe biocides Insecticide (if needed)
- Straw (for storage; optional)
DIY Tips
- Some recommended radish varieties include: Chaos, Gilfeather, Golden Ball, Market Express, Purple Top White Ball, Crown, Blood Queen, Tokyo Cross, White Knight and White Lady.
Growing radishes
How to harvest radish and plant radish picture tutorial
How to care for radish, illustrated tutorial on growing radish
