Growing Radish

Raphanus sativas : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P     P        

(Best months for growing Radish in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 1 - 2 inches apart
  • Harvest in 5-7 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Chervil, cress,lettuce, leeks, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes
  • Avoid growing close to: Hyssop, gherkins

Your comments and tips

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25 Mar 16, Sustainable Susan (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just tried the Radish leaves in an omelette and you are right. It is absolutely delicious! Thank you sharing that!
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21 Apr 13, (Australia - tropical climate)
mix 50% river sand with a clay type soil for radishes this works well for me. no fertilizers needed.
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20 Jan 13, Rose (Australia - temperate climate)
Another comment said if tops are great but poor roots you should lay off the fertilizer. They specifically noted nitrogen.
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14 Nov 12, Keren (Australia - temperate climate)
If you find a lack of root development in plants that are grown for their roots: radishes, carrots, etc., but great healthy leaves above, that would indicate too much nitrogen fertiliser. Go easy on the fertiliser and your roots will grow better.
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16 Oct 12, Vincent Harney (Australia - temperate climate)
Have twice planted french breakfast radishes in potting mix. Result - no radishes. Is the potting mix the problem? Should I just use soil? And perhaps a box?
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23 Apr 12, kate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have to say I have had the best month for growing Radish this year! All of them have been a success and It's amazing. Soooo happy! I would love to add photos to show everyone!
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04 Jan 12, Val (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I cannot grow radishes, carrots or parsnips. Tops look great, but nothing below the soil. What type of soil should I concentrate on, type of fertiliser etc. I have fluid off the worm farm, is this ok to use.
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12 Jan 12, kate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi! I had the same problem with just putting the radish seeds in the ground. I found it easier to germinate them first. I put the seeds into a wet tissue and then popped it into a ziplock bag until they germinated. Once they germinated (6-10 days), I put them into my soil and VOILA.... growing very well! This trick can be used for all seeds! Let me know how you find this.. Kate
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02 Jul 12, Ash (Australia - temperate climate)
This was the same problem with me too last year. Then i notised that few plants with no shadow whole day grows well down under and lots of plants with shadow for even a short time in a day also remain smaller raddish. So this year i planted all under full sun and all good now.
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14 Dec 10, Harry (Australia - temperate climate)
My radishes grow with long green stems coming out of the ground as seen in the pic. However, despite the rather large sized stems, the radishes are small or in other cases, not even there. Can someone please help???
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Showing 71 - 80 of 99 comments
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I'm sub tropical and have done many different things trying to grow radish. Temps here from now to end of winter, day generally 22 to 27, couple in the high teens maybe. Nights 6 to 16 with the odd 3 or 4. Don't plant radish in rich soil, probably best to plant after another crop. Plant thinly and in narrow rows. I would think you have planted into too rich a soil. Must say I have the same problem at the moment. I tried to plant in wide bands sparsely, it didn't work, soil was too rich. I'm trying some called white hailstone, I think they are a more reliable milder taste. I think radish are better grown here in the winter rather than summer.

- M

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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