Radishes are a popular and easy-to-grow vegetable that can be grown from seed to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks. They are the first thing we plant outside in our garden beds and they are the first thing we are able to harvest every year.
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These small, flavourful root vegetables are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and even as a snack on their own. We like to dice them up and add them to our eggs and hash browns for a fresh crunch. In this article, we will walk you through the process of growing radishes from seed to harvest.
Choosing Your Radish Seeds:
Radishes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, so it’s important to choose the right variety for your needs. Some popular varieties include Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, and Easter Egg.
Cherry Belle is a classic round red radish, while French Breakfast is oblong and red with a white tip. Easter Egg is a mix of colourful round radishes that come in pink, purple, and white. The two varieties that we grow are French Breakfast and Crispy Crunch.
Radish seeds are very easy to save, so once you find a variety you like you can save your own seeds to plant again next year.
Preparing The Soil
Radishes will grow a deep taproot so they prefer loose, well-draining soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. We use this soil tester to check our pH and soil moister.
Before planting, remove any rocks or debris from the soil and work in some compost or organic matter to improve the soil’s fertility. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged before planting.
How To Grow Radishes From Seed?
Location, How much sun do radishes need?:
Radishes prefer full sun, about 6 hours a day, but grow well in part shade too when the weather starts to get too hot.
Spacing:
Plant radish seeds directly in the garden bed or container. Make a shallow row with your finger ½ inch deep, and plant your radish seeds about 1 inch apart. Spacing the rows 6-8 inches apart. If you’re planning on leaving some of your radishes in the garden to seed you will want to plant them a little farther apart.
Timing:
The timing for planting radish seeds will depend on your location and climate, but generally, they can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Radishes prefer cool temperatures and can be planted in the spring or in the fall. In warmer climates, radishes can also be grown in the winter.
Caring For Radishes
Radishes are an easy crop to grow for everyone from beginners to expert gardeners. Here are a few things to consider.
How Much Water Do Radish Need?
Radishes need consistent moisture to grow properly. Water them deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause disease.
Do You Need To Fertilize Radishes?
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Typically we add fertilizer to the soil before we plant a new crop of Radishes.
When To Harvest Radishes?
How do you know when radishes are ready? Most radishes are ready to harvest in 3-4 weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Radishes can be harvested at any point during their growing cycle.
As the radish grows you are able to see how big it is above the surface of the soil so it is easy to keep an eye on. It is personal preference on how big you want your radishes to be. Also, the smaller the radish, the more intense the flavour will be.
How Do You Harvest Radishes?
To harvest, gently pull the radish out of the soil by the leaves. If the radish is difficult to pull out, use a garden fork to loosen the soil around it.
Radishes are best eaten fresh, but can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to harvest your Radishes regularly because the longer they stay in the garden, the bigger they will get. If they are left too long they will bolt, and go to seed, and they will develop a woody flavour.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, growing radishes is a simple and rewarding experience. With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy fresh, tasty radishes in no time. So why not give it a try and add some colour and flavor to your next salad or snack?
We hope you enjoyed this growing guide. If you did make sure you check out the other growing guides, seed saving guides and our recipes. We are growing our website with more articles all the time, and we invite you to grow with us. If you have any questions about radishes or would like to share some of your knowledge with us please leave a comment below.
