How to grow Radish

Raphanus sativus

Radishes are generally free from pests, although some are troubled by flea beetles. They can be planted and allowed to go to seed near squash plants to deter squash bugs.
The secret to good radishes is plenty of even moisture. Supply sufficient water to plants without creating waterlogged soil. If allowed to dry out, radishes taste hot.
Plant in cool weather to avoid hot radishes.
Replant small crops every 2 to 3 weeks. Thin shortly after they emerge because they mature so quickly.
Neglected plants easily run to seed.

Growing Radish from seed

Radishes are very quick and easy to germinate, and no special attention is generally needed. If you are starting them extra early in spring, a warm water soak for 1-2 hours before planting will be helpful, but is not necessary.

Germination Time (Days)
29 days at 41° F
11 days at 50° F
6 days at 59° F
4 days at 68° F
4 days at 77° F or higher

Aim to sow 0.47 inches (1.2 cm) deep and try to ensure a gap of at least 0.99 inches (2.54 cm). For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 13°C / 55°F.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Radish about 28 days before your last frost date .

Transplanting Radish

Radishes do not respond well to transplanting. Root and leaf varieties should be directly sown in stone-free soil in early spring to early summer, and again in late summer for fall crop. Pod varieties should be directly sown in warm weather. Make successive sowing every 2-3 weeks.
Sow thinly and thin seedlings to make room for them to grow properly

Radish is half hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside - as a guideline, the minimum temperature outside should be approximately 10°C / 50°F.

Harvesting Radish

Pull the radish as soon as they are ready to prevent them becoming woody or running to seed or feeding the slugs!
Take the plants that will leave room for other to develop further

Seed Saving Radish

Pull the plants when the seed pods turn yellow. Hang them in a dry place to cure. 1

Seed viability is five years.

How long does Radish take to grow?

These estimates for how long Radish takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Radish to germinate?
7 days

Average 7 days | Min 1 days | Max 24 days (1048)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Radish?
+ 12 days

Average 12 days | Min 2 days | Max 35 days (21)

Days to Maturity How long until Radish is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 29 days

Average 29 days | Min 7 days | Max 62 days (34)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Radish?
= 48 days

When should I plant Radish?

Our when to plant Radish estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Radish before or after your last frost date.
28 days before Last Frost Date

Radish Etymology

The botanical epithet is from the Latin sativus meaning “cultivated”

Radish Folklore & Trivia

According to the book 100 Vegetables and Where They Come From, written by William Woys Weaver, radishes were used in the 18th century treat the common cold, digestion problems, and kidney stones. Radish is believed to be native to southern Asia2. The roots contain raphanin (an antibiotic compound), and vitamin C2. Herodotus (~485-425 BC) wrote that the builders of the ancient Egyptian pyramids were paid in radishes, onions and garlic2. Radish oil was used in ancient Rome to treat skin ailments2. In Chinese medicine, it is listed as a digestive stimulant2.

Other names for Radish

Cultivated radish, Fodder radish, Sprouting radish, Radish edible leaf, Rettich, Radishes, Chinese radish, Daikon

Raphanus sativas

Footnotes

1 :The New Seed-starters Handbook; Published 1988

2 :The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants: A Practical Reference Guide to over 550 Key Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses; Andrew Chevallier; published 1996


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