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 Australia - tropical 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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 3 - 5 cm 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

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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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
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.
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???
02 Jul 10, Martin (Australia - temperate climate)
My radish seeds germinate OK but when the young seedling emerges something is eating them. My cabbages are similarly being eaten and some leaves are mere stalks. I never see the culprits even at night time. I suspect cutworms because I put a small barrier around the last two emerging plants and they seem to be surviving. If cutworms are my problem how do I control them?
Showing 71 - 80 of 98 comments

Does anyone know any pest and disease management strategies?

- Emma

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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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