Planting Radishes

Radishes are a root crop and will do best in loose, well-drained soil. Before planting, make sure the soil is free from rocks to allow the radishes to form well. It’s a cool season crop, so plant as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring (about 4 weeks before last frost). To ensure a steady supply, plant every week or so. Keep soil free of weeds. Seed Depth: ¼ – ½ ” Plant Spacing: 1 – 2″ apart Row Spacing: 12″ apart. Best temperature for seed germination is 65-85°. Allow seed 3-7 days to germinate.

Harvesting Radishes

Radishes are best harvested when picked young and tender. Leaves will be about 4-5″ long. If harvested too late, radishes will become tough, stringy, and hotter. Topped radishes will keep for about 3 weeks in very cool temperatures.

Saving Radish Seeds

Suggested isolation distance is ¼ mile to prevent cross pollination. Buildings or other barriers may allow for a shorter distance. Allow the plants to bolt and flower. Let the seed pods become dry, harvest the whole plant, and clean the seed. The seed should be viable for 3-5 years if kept cool and dry.

Common Problems

• Striped Cucumber Beetle
  Yellow, elongated, ¼” long with black heads and black stripes on their wings. Mulch heavily with straw, spray or dust with Pyrethrins, or use floating row covers.

• Flea Beetle
  Tiny, black or brown beetle with large hind legs and jumps like a flea. Use floating row covers to help control.

Suggested Companions

• Bush and Pole Beans
• Tomatoes
• Kohlrabi
• Melons
• Squash
• Cucumbers
• Parsnip
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Beets
• Nasturtiums
• Leaf Lettuce

Poor Companions

• Hyssop