Radishes provide a fast and satisfying crop for novice and experienced gardeners alike. Radishes can come in various shapes, sizes, and colours: from small red globes to long white roots. These cool-season crops grow great in the spring and early summer and due to their fast maturation and low maintenance level, they’re perfect even for beginner gardeners. Homegrown radishes taste wonderful and are very welcome at the dinner table, either as part of a salad or as a snack in themselves.
How to Grow Radishes
Preparing the Soil and Sowing Radishes
Radishes do best in a well-drained prepared area of soil. Select a sunny spot in your garden and use a fork to break up big clumps of soil, remove weeds, and rake the soil down to fine tilth. Remove any stones or debris that may impede root development. Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure for better growth.
Radish can be sown directly where they are to grow. Sow at a depth of 1cm, space the seeds 2.5-5cm apart, leaving approximately 15cm between rows. For a continuous supply of fresh radishes, sow small batches every few weeks.
Care and Maintenance
Radishes need to have steady moisture to produce fleshy roots. Keep them watered, especially in dry spells, to keep them from getting woody or splitting. Weed regularly to remove competition for light and nutrients.
Harvesting Radishes
Radishes can be ready to harvest after 4 weeks from sowing and they are best when the roots are about 2.5cm in diameter. Simply pull them up from the ground and cut off the leaves with a sharp knife. They will get hot and pithy if left too long in the ground. Winter radishes can be harvested as required over winter.
Common Problems
Radishes are relatively problem-free, but may suffer from a few common problems. Dry conditions or crowding may prevent the roots from swelling. Hot, dry weather can cause plants to bolt, resulting in poor root development. To prevent radishes from becoming pithy or hot, harvest them immediately when they reach the appropriate size. Pests such as slugs, snails, and flea beetles can sometimes be an issue.
Varieties to Consider
- French Breakfast: An heirloom radish that is crisp, mild and easy to grow. Both the greens and the bright scarlet roots are edible. Quick to mature, it’s one of the first of the spring crops on the table.
- Cherry Belle: A fast-maturing, earl-season radish, Cherry Belle will be ready to eat before you can blink. One of the fastest and easiest vegetables to grow.
- Sparkler Radish: A tow-toned radish whose colours literally “sparkle,” the Sparkler radish roots have a mild, earthy flavour with just a touch of sweetness.