This post goes over a step-by-step guide on how to grow radishes from seed to harvest
Radishes (Raphanus sativus) is a fast-growing, easy-to-grow root vegetable that can add a spicy crunch to salads or be enjoyed as a healthy snack. Radishes are a popular choice for home gardeners, as they can be grown in small spaces and are ready to harvest in just a few weeks.
Peppers are another popular vegetable to grow for home gardeners. Learn how to grow peppers from seed from our ultimate pepper seed starting guide.
Growing Radishes From Seed
Even if this is your first year gardening, or you are a seasoned pro, radishes are the perfect easy root vegetable to include in your garden. They are cool-season vegetables so you can plant and harvest them in no time.
Easy Radish Varieties to Grow in Your Garden
There are many types of radishes, we love growing varieties that are unique and beautiful. Nothing is more satisfying than pulling up a beautiful Fresh Breakfast radish or surprised with a stunning white Easter Egg variety. Below is a list of our favorite varieties to grow:
- Easter Egg – These generally come in a multi-color mix of white, purple, and red. They are a fast-growing variety, which is perfect to plant in early spring to harvest by the end of the month!
- French Breakfast – If I have to be honest, I purchased these seeds to grow primarily for their looks and photography opportunities. It turns out these are my favorite-tasting variety! They are
- Crunchy King – These are what you will most likely see in the grocery store. With their bright red skin and pearly white centers, they are perfect for summer salads, and pickling!
Did You Know? Radishes are root vegetables that are a part of the cabbage family!
Choosing The Right Spot In The Garden For Radishes
Radishes grow best in a spot that receives full sun or partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting radishes in soil that is compacted, heavy or clay-like, as this can lead to poor growth and misshapen roots.
Prepare Garden Soil For Radishes
Radishes prefer loose soil compared to heavy soils so prepare the soil by removing any rocks or debris and then loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Add compost or well-rotted manure to sandy soils to improve fertility and soil structure.
How to Sow Radish Seeds
Sow seeds directly into the fertile soil, about one-half inch deep and one inch apart in their soil line after your last frost date. Cover the seeds with soil and gently firm the soil surface. Water the garden soil well, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause the seeds to rot.
How To Care For Radishes in The Garden
Keep the soil moist by watering regularly, but be careful not to water your radish seedlings too much. Radishes prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal disease. As the radishes grow, thin them out to 2-3 inches apart to give them room to develop.
The seeds should germinate within 5-10 days. If your radish seedlings have grown too close together (less than an inch apart), thin seedlings by pulling up gently and removing them from the soil. I have had success transplanting the thinned seedlings to an empty space in the garden, but you can also eat the young seedlings as microgreens as well!
Harvesting Radishes
Radishes are ready to harvest in 3-4 weeks after sowing. You can tell when they are ready by gently pulling up a radish and checking the size. Radishes should be firm and about 1 inch in diameter. If left too long, they can become woody and lose their flavor.
How to Store Radishes
If you have harvested more radishes than you can eat immediately, store them in the refrigerator. For the best results remove the tops and store the roots in plastic bags in the crisper drawer. Radishes can last for several weeks if stored properly.
Feeding Radishes
Radishes need little feeding in terms of compost or fertilizer. Too much food will actually make the radish greens bushier and the radish bulb small.
How Long Do Radishes Take To Grow From Seed?
Radishes are a fast-growing root crop and generally are ready to harvest within 3-4 weeks after sowing seeds. Check the back of your seed packet to determine the harvesting time for the variety you are growing.
How To Get a Continuous Supply of Radishes
To get a continuous harvest of radishes, sow radish seeds every 2 weeks. Succession planting will allow you to receive a steady supply of radishes from late spring all the way to your fall harvest.
How To Grow Radishes From Seed – Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my radishes cracked when I pull them from the soil?
Cracked radishes are often a result of uneven watering (either under watering or too much water). To avoid cracked radishes ensure the soil moisture is consistent during the growing period.
Why Are My Radishes Spicy?
a peppery flavor radishes are generally caused by hot weather, underwatering, or waiting too late to harvest.
My Radish Leaves Are Big, But the Bulb is Small
If radishes are planted in too much shade they often put all of their energy into the leaves resulting in small radish bulbs. Radishes need a moderate amount of sun to grow large.
Can You Eat Radish Leaves?
Yes, radish leaves are edible and can be consumed. Radish leaves are rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium and iron. They can be eaten raw or cooked and used in salads, stir-fries, soups, or stews.