They’re somewhat spicy or tangy.
Smaller varieties ready in 30 days after sowing and larger ones in about 60 days.
The entire plants are edible, including the leaves.
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Radishes are grown from seed, either in the ground or in containers.
Stop planting when spring temperatures reach 65 degrees, as they will bolt in the heat.
Where to Plant
Pick a sunny spot with rich, loose, well-draining soil.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Container growing is also an option.
The radishes will beharvestedbefore the other plants need the space.
Plus, radishes are good for loosening and cultivating the soil.
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Just see to it no nearby plants will shade out your radishes.
How to Plant
Sow seeds around 1/2 inch deep and one to two inches apart.
Thin seedlings to three inches apart.
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Rows should be spaced three inches apart.
A support structure won’t be necessary.
Radishes grown in too much shade will put energy into leaf growth rather than root growth.
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The soil must not be heavy or compacted, as the roots won’t grow well in those conditions.
Water
Radish plants typically need 1 inch of water per week.
A layer of mulch around the plants can help to maintain soil moisture.
Hot weather can cause the plants to bolt and decline in quality.
They can gettough and woodyor spongy with hollow centers.
Also, once a radish bolts, the bulb stops forming.
Fertilizer
If youre already starting with rich soil, you typically wont need tofertilizeradishes.
If it’s crucial that you improve your soil, work in a few inches ofcompostbefore planting.
Pollination
Bees and other pollinatorswill pollinate radish plants.
And radish varieties will cross-pollinate with one another.
But there are some notable differences.
Radishes are generally smaller than turnips and have a nuttier and spicier flavor.
Turnips usually have a more subtle, earthy flavor.
Harvesting Radishes
Take note of when your radish variety should be ready for harvesting.
In general, harvest when the roots are around one inch in diameter.
it’s possible for you to often see the shoulders of the radish rising slightly above the soil line.
You might have to pull one out to see whether it’s ready.
Common radish roots are shallow, so they dont require that deep of a pot.
A container around eight to 12 inches wide and deep should be fine.
It also should have ample drainage holes.
Use any high-quality potting soil.
Containers dry out more quickly and need more watering than in-ground gardens.
Pruning
You wont have to do any pruning on your radish plants beyond thinning seedlings.
If the radishes remain crowded, they wont develop properly.
Fortunately, you’re free to eat the seedlings you thin.
Propagating Radishes
Radishes are typically grown from seed.
Growing radishes from root scraps is possible, but that method is unreliable and not recommended.
Seeds up to five years old are a much better bet.
The best time to plant seeds is in early spring and fall when temperatures average about 50 to 70F.
Collect seeds from mature plants for future plants.
One seed yields one radish.
Plant them four to six weeks before you expect your last frost.
Gently firm the soil around the seeds, and keep it evenly moist but not soggy.
Germination should occur in three to 10 days.
Cutworms also feed on radishes.
And flea beetles will feed on radish leaves but won’t injure the bulbs.
Monitor to catch these insects before they destroy the whole crop.
Growing your radishes under floating row covers can help to prevent pest issues.
Wood ash mixed into the soil can help deter root maggots.
Some radish plants' diseases include downy mildew, black root, and scab.
Maintaining proper growing conditions can prevent many problems with diseases.
ensure they are spaced properly, as crowded radishes may develop stunted roots.
Compacted soil can also prevent the roots from growing.
Poor soil quality also causes misshaped roots.
Radishes are easy vegetables to grow as long as they have well-draining soil and mild temperatures.
Their ease of cultivation and quick growth rate make them ideal vegetables to use when introducing children to gardening.
Radish varieties take an average of 20 to 60 days to be ready for harvesting.
Radishes are annuals, completing their life cycle in one growing season.
