Description

Radish is a fast growing vegetable that is great in any container garden.  They only need three weeks to mature in spring and 6-8 weeks in the fall.  Radishes store really well, so decide how many you want in your containers and plant double that number, just don’t let them get too crowded.

How do I Grow Radish?

Radishes should always be directly sown into the garden so that their root systems are not disturbed. Direct sow your radish seeds into your containers by planting them 1/2 inch deep in the spring and 1 inch deep in the summer.  Your seeds will sprout in 5-10 days depending on the temperature.  Winter varieties should be started two weeks before fall frost.  

Plant new radish every other week if you want a continuous harvest and give them plenty of shade in the summer, so they do not become woody. As well as make sure your container's reservoir is full. 

Companion Plants

Peas, nasturtium, lettuce, cucumber, beets, spinach, carrots, beans, celeriac, chervil, mint, parsnip, squash, and tomatoes.

Avoid planting near potatoes. 

Nutrition

1 cup: Vitamin C (29%), Folate (7%), Fibre (7%), Potassium (8%),

Harvesting

Radishes are good to harvest when they have reached the size of a ping-pong ball. They are only at their prime for a brief window of time.  If you leave them in the ground for too long they will get bitter and split.

The long fall radish varieties can be stored in damp sand or sawdust in a cool place and they can also be pickled.

Preparing and using

Radish can store in your refrigerator for up to a week, so don’t if you don’t plan on using them right away, remove the foliage and store in a plastic bag.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

This is a good vegetable to use to teach your kids about gardening and get them hooked on growing their own food as it grows quickly, is bright and fun!