Radish

Botanical Name

Raphanus sativus

Hardiness

Annual, some winter varieties are biennial

Height

6 to 18 inches

Width

6 to 9 inches

Light

Full sun to part shade

Soil

Moist, well-drained, cool

Planting & Care

Radishes germinate and grow best in cool temperatures of 55°F to 65°F. Warmer temperatures result in poor flavor and bolting.
Begin sowing 3 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds ¹/₄ to ¹/₂ inches deep.
Thin spring varieties to ¹/₂ to 1 inch apart. Thin larger winter radishes to 6 inches.
Space rows 12 inches apart
Radishes can also be sown in an open bed and thinned to ideal spacing
Radishes help break up the soil for slower maturing carrots, turnips and parsnips when they are sown together
For a continual harvest, sow in 1 to 2 week intervals until temperatures average 60°F. Resume planting again in fall when the temperatures cool. Or make a single spring planting of different varieties that will mature at different times during the season.
Radishes mature quickly and can be interplanted with later maturing vegetables such as cabbage, tomato or squash

Problems

Root maggots

Varieties

Burpee White - round, white skin, 25 days to harvest
Plum Purple - deep magenta skin, 25 days to harvest
Icicle - long, slim, white, 25 days to harvest
China Rose - winter radish, white, 52 days to harvest
Round Black Spanish - winter radish, black skin, 55 days to harvest
Rivoli - uniform roots with bright white flesh, All-America Selections winner
Roxanne - bright red roots with creamy white interior, holds well in the garden, AAS winner
Sweet Baby - purple, white, rose-colored, crunchy and slightly spicy, AAS winner