Radishes are one of the quickest and most adaptable crops you can grow in your garden. Whether you’re looking to squeeze in a quick harvest between slower-growing vegetables, plant them at the start or end of the growing season, or even grow them in containers, radishes offer endless possibilities. These vibrant, peppery roots are not only delicious but can be grown in almost any space, and in as little as four weeks!
Where to Grow Radishes
Radishes are extremely versatile due to their small size and rapid growth. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate part shade as well, making them suitable for many garden settings. In hot climates, consider planting them in partial or full shade during the peak of summer. For optimal growth, keep the soil consistently moist. This ensures a healthy crop and prevents the roots from becoming too woody or spicy.
Their fast-growing nature also makes them ideal as a “fill-in” crop. You can plant radishes in the gaps between slower-germinating vegetables like parsnips, or use them to fill in spaces after harvesting other crops.
Sowing Radishes
Early Sowing in Plug Trays
You can start sowing radishes as early as late winter, either indoors in containers or in greenhouse borders. Use a general-purpose potting mix for plug trays, sowing about three to five seeds per module. After covering them lightly with potting mix, water gently. If the weather is still cold, keep them indoors until the seedlings appear, then move them to a greenhouse or cold frame.
Once the seedlings are strong enough, usually after two weeks, they’re ready to be planted outdoors. Prepare the planting site by enriching the soil with well-rotted compost or manure and ensuring it’s raked fine. Transplant seedlings about 6 inches (15 cm) apart, and protect them with row covers or horticultural fleece until the weather warms up.
Direct Sowing
Direct sowing is the easiest and most common method for radishes. Since they can germinate at temperatures as low as 41°F (5°C), you can begin sowing them in early spring. Use row covers or hoop houses to protect them from the elements, spacing the rows about 8 inches (20 cm) apart. Sow seeds thinly along the row, aiming for spacing of about half an inch (1 cm). Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to leave about 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) of space between each plant.
For a continuous supply of fresh radishes, sow a new row or two every couple of weeks throughout the growing season.
Growing Radishes for Winter
Radishes aren’t just a spring or summer crop; many hardy varieties can be planted in late summer for a fall or early winter harvest. Varieties like the Japanese daikon, Chinese, and Korean radishes thrive in cooler temperatures and are perfect for soups and salads. For a beautiful touch, try growing watermelon radishes, known for their stunning color and mild flavor, or the spicy Spanish Black radish.
Winter radishes tend to be larger and leafier than summer varieties, with the leaves offering a deliciously spicy taste that can be used in salads, stir-fries, or even pesto. Space winter radishes about 12 inches (30 cm) apart and thin the seedlings to ensure proper growth.
Radish Care
Radishes are relatively low-maintenance but do require some attention. Keep weeds under control, as they compete with radishes for nutrients. Thinning the seedlings is a great opportunity to remove any weeds that may have sprouted. Regular watering is essential, especially in dry periods, to keep the roots from becoming tough and overly spicy.
Flea beetles can sometimes attack radishes, leaving small holes in the leaves. To prevent this, consider using row covers or fine insect mesh, or delay sowing until late summer when flea beetle populations tend to decrease.
Harvesting Radishes
Radishes grow quickly, and you should harvest them as soon as they reach their full size. If left too long in the soil, they can become tough, woody, and excessively spicy. Harvest the largest roots first, allowing the remaining ones to continue growing.
Winter radishes take around 10 weeks to mature. Once they’re ready, you can either leave them in the ground and harvest as needed (as long as the soil doesn’t freeze), or you can pull them, trim the foliage, and store them in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Conclusion
Radishes are one of the easiest, fastest, and most versatile crops you can grow. Whether you’re planting them for a quick summer snack or as part of your winter harvest, these peppery roots are a delightful addition to any garden. By sowing them strategically throughout the season, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, crunchy radishes all year long.