Growing Radishes From Seed
Radishes grow in a variety of shapes, sizes and lengths, depending upon the variety you sow. It is best to grow this vegetable in cool gardening periods as radishes tend to go to seed quickly in hot weather.
Radishes are incredibly easy to grow, as they tolerate most soil types and are quick to crop (usually within four weeks).
Sowing
It’s best to sow radish seeds little and often, for small but continuous harvests. Aim to provide consistent conditions to ensure they grow well without any checks to their growth.
It’s best to plant radish seeds directly in the garden so as not to disturb their roots. Directly sow seeds outdoors 3cm deep and 3cm apart in rows 30cm apart.
Thin radishes to about 5cm apart when the plants are a week old. Crowded plants do not grow well.
Growing
Consistent, even moisture is key. Keep the soil moist to ensure rapid growth, for fleshy, tasty roots that don’t split. This can be tricky in hot dry summer weather, so take care to water regularly.
Putting a thin layer of mulch around the radishes can help retain moisture in dry conditions.
Harvest
Radish will be around 2.5cm (1 inch) when they are ready to pick. Radishes require between 22 to 70 days to come to harvest so keep an eye on them. Leaving them in too long can lead to them becoming pithy and tough.
Storage
Cut the tops and tail root from the radishes and wash them. Dry them well and store them in the fridge in a plastic bag until ready to use.
Stored in the fridge, they can last for up to four months!
Recommended Varieties:
Black Spanish Round - A black skinned variety perfect for egg and potato dishes
Hailstone - A white skinned variety that stores very well compared to others