How to Grow Radishes

This page will provide written and visual instructions on how to grow radishes. We will be growing the Rover radish for our Fall garden.

According to the lunar page radishes need to be planted from September 19th to the 25th.

The Companion Planting page tells us that the radishes can be planted with any of the fall vegetables we are planting.

Radishes are a quick maturing root crop.

The radish we will be growing is the Rover. The Rover is one of the nicest radishes we’ve seen in a while. The smooth, round, dark red roots are extremely uniform and attractive with crisp, snow white flesh. Days to Maturity 21. Sow anytime during the season, beginning in early spring. Use 2-3" wide bands, seeds about 3/4-1" apart (about 35 seeds/ft.), 1/2" deep, rows 1' apart, or any row or bedding scheme that will eliminate unplanted ground as much as possible.

Flea beetles eat holes in the young leaves. In good soil and weather the plants normally grow out of this trouble to make a good crop. Use floating row covers at time of planting for insect-free radishes, or control with rotenone or pyrethrin.

Even when using quality seeds, keep in mind that radish is adversely affected by hot, dry weather, and remains in prime condition only a few days.

To be mild, tender, and attractive it should be grown rapidly with plenty of moisture. If growth is checked, the roots may become hot, tough, and pithy.

Harvest on time! Begin harvest in about 3-4 weeks when roots are the size of a large marble. Bunch or top, hydrocool, and refrigerate. Topped radishes will keep 3-4 weeks in good, crisp condition if kept near freezing in high humidity in semipermeable containers.

9-19-09

I planted my radishes today. I dug a furrow about two inches deep. Then I planted my seeds. I planted them thickly to make sure I got good coverage since not all the seeds will germinate.

Now you can plant sparsely to save on seeds and thinning, but you will take a big chance on having empty places where the seeds do not germinate.

Be generous when sowing the seeds. Not all the seeds will germinate so you will need to sow them heavily and then thin. It is time consuming but it has to be done to ensure you get a uniform planting.

Below is a picture of a radish seed.

I like the furrow idea to help me know where the seeds are planted. I will also be able to water the seeds and plants easier.

Also this will help me when putting down a weed barrier. The weed barrier will let water in but keep seeds from growing. It will also act as a mulch and keep the ground moist.

9-21-09

While out watering today, I noticed that some of the radish seeds were starting to emerge. I took a picture to show how to grow radishes but it is not too clear. When looking at the radish, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage look a lot alike when they are emerging.

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