How to Grow Radishes

Photo by foodistablog.

Radish is also known as Raphanus sativus in Latin and is a member of the Cruciferous family. It’s an easy crop to grow making it ideal for kids starting their first garden.

Soil
Radishes will grow in average soil that has been worked down to 15 cm (6 inch) with any stones removed. Fresh compost should be avoided.

Sowing
The seeds should be sowed 1.5 cm (0.5 inch) deep and 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inch) apart. Rows should be 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inch) apart.

Growing
Radish seeds will germinate in a few days. When the seedlings are 5 cm (2 inch) tall thin them to 5 cm spacing. Remove weeds as the radishes grow. They are likely to bolt in hot weather and won’t bulb above 28 deg. C (82 deg. F). If they grow too slow the taste will be bitter and hot.

Harvest
It takes 20 to 30 days before the radishes are starting to mature. Summer varieties takes about 3 to 8 weeks to mature, but winter varieties requires 3 to 5 months.

Storage
Radishes don’t freeze well, so keep them in the refrigerator. Remove the tops before putting them in the fridge to keep the moisture and nutrients in the roots. They can be stored for about 5 days in the fridge.