How To Grow and Harvest Radish
Harvest Radish, wait until the radishes are large enough to eat. This usually takes about 25-30 days from planting. Carefully pull the radish out of the ground, being sure to keep the green leaves attached as they can be used for greens as well. Radishes can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a week or two. It’s important to harvest radishes when they are still small and young, as they can become woody and bitter if left in the ground for too long.
- Choose a location: Radishes prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8, and full sun. They can also tolerate partial shade. It is important to note that the soil should be fertile, moist and well-drained.
- Prepare the soil: Work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility. Radishes prefer a soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sow the seed: Radish seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or fall. The best time to sow radish seeds depends on the variety and the climate. Sow the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and about 1 inch apart, in rows spaced about 1 foot apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Radishes require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water the soil at the base of the plants, avoiding wetting the leaves, to prevent fungal diseases.
- Thin the seedlings: When the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them so they are about 2 inches apart. This will give them enough space to grow and mature properly.
- Fertilizing: Radishes do not require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be applied when the seedlings are 4 inches tall. You can also amend the soil with aged compost or well-rotted manure.
- Pest and disease management: Radishes are relatively pest- and disease-free, but watch out for common issues like clubroot and aphids. Clubroot is a soil-borne fungus that causes swollen, distorted roots, while aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves.
- Harvesting: Radishes are typically ready to harvest in about 20-30 days after sowing. They should be harvested when they are firm and 1-2 inches in diameter. If left in the ground for too long, radishes will become tough and woody.
- Storing: Radishes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store them in a perforated plastic bag to maintain their freshness.
- Harvesting the greens: You can also harvest the radish greens, which are edible and can be used in salads. The greens are most tender when the radishes are small, so they are best picked at the same time as the radishes.
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