Radish

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.

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

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

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.

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

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Radish so consider planting:

Beets, carrots, spinach and parsnips, cucumbers, lettuce and beans.

• Radish likes Spinach

  Radishes will attract leaf miners away from spinach, they will eat the radish leaves but leave the root alone.

• Radish loves Lettuce

  Lettuces planted near to radishes will make them more tender.

• Radish likes Chervil

  Improves the growth and flavour of radishes.

These plants will not grow well with Radish so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kohlrabi and turnip.

• Radish dislikes Anise hyssop

• Radish dislikes Cabbage

• Radish dislikes Cauliflower

• Radish dislikes Kohl rabi

• Radish dislikes Broccoli

• Radish dislikes Turnip

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Radish plants:

• Flea Beetles
• Cabbage Root Fly

• Flea beetle

  A generic term for a wide range of small leaf-eating beetles with powerful ba...

• Cabbage Root Fly

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.

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

Raphanus sativas

Our when to plant Radish estimates are relative to your last frost date. Enter your frost dates and we'll calculate your sowing and planting dates for you!

¹ :The New Seed-starters Handbook; Published 1988