Luckily, all of these problems are avoidable if yougrow your radishesin good conditions.
Read on to discover more about common problems when growing radishes and how to fix them.
The vegetable grows quickly, and it needs be harvested as soon as the radish reaches its mature size.
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Unlikecarrotsandbeets, radishes do not get sweeter if stored in the ground.
Cracked Roots
Sometimes radishes split open as they mature and get older.
Cracking is often the result of uneven watering.
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double-check your radishes are consistently gettingat least 1 inch of water per week.
Split or cracked radishes often are still edible.
Radishes need to grow quickly to ensure they are tender and plump when harvested.
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Spring and fall are the easiest times to grow radishes at the speed they need to avoid this problem.
All Leaves, No Bulbs
The most frequent cause of radishes growing only greens is hot weather.
An absence of sunlight is another cause of underdevelopment in radishes.
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You might have better luck growing one of the long, slender radishes, like ‘White Icicle’.
These radishes will put their energy towards flowering instead of towards growing the edible root.
Generally, improper growing conditions can lead to bitterness.
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Water consistently, and do not add nitrogen-rich fertilizers to the soil.
It can also be sparked by heavy orcompacted soil, restricting their space.
Use well-draining soil that is rock-free.
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It can also be brought on by a variety ofplant pathogens.
Before planting, confirm that the soil is loose, consistent, and free of debris.
Thin seedlings so that there is enough room between each plant.
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And finally, keep a sharp eye out for pests and disease to contain the spread.
However, there are a few steps it’s possible for you to take to avoid radish pests.
Another helpful step is crop rotation, so radish pests will not flock to one reliable location.
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Yellow Leaves
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Yellow radish leaves are typically caused bynutrient deficiencies.
However, rotting radishes that have been consistently overwatered may also have yellowing leaves.
Amend your soil with compost if needed, before planting, to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
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Do not manually provide more than 1 inch of water per week.
Rotten Plants
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Rotten plants are the result of too much water.
To prevent rot, start with well-draining soil.
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If they’ve already received 1 inch of water from precipitation, do not water further.
Amoisture metercan help you evaluate the soil if you are uncertain.
Compacted soil and overcrowding can both make radishes grow long and skinny.
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They need space to form their spherical roots.
Start with loose soil and thin plants to maintain a few inches between each.
Afterharvesting radishes, cutting the tops off is a good idea.
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The tops will continue to draw moisture from the roots if left attached.
Radish greens are edible.
Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California.
