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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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!
Reply or Post a new comment
23 May 12, Monique (Australia - temperate climate)
My raddishes are not forming. They have a healthy looking stem and leaves but there are no radishes growing. They have been growing for over 2 months now. Any suggestions?
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 May 13, Detlef (Australia - temperate climate)
The leaves are delicious in stir fries, omelettes, stews etc.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 40 of 144 comments
See comments for all plants

A better suggestion is a Styrofoam box used for corn or zucchini - if you can find bigger boxes the better - you can grow more at a time. Go to Foodworks, IGA or any supermarket and ask if they have any. Put newspaper, shade cloth or bubble wrap on the bottom - then about 25 mm of small pebble (the beach) - then another layer of paper, shade cloth or bubble wrap with some holes in it. Mix up some soil, sand, compost/manure and potting mix/seed raising mix. Put that in the box and give a good watering. Plant the radish and sprinkle some soil/ potting mix/seed raising mix over the radish. Keep out of the sun until they germinate or put some shade cloth or something similar over them until they germinate. With this free draining soil and shallow soil depth they will need watering each day and plenty of sun. Have 2-3-4 boxes and have a succession of plantings. This method can be also used to grow lettuce and baby spinach - plant very densely and cut the young leaves about 25-50 mm up the plant and they will reshoot - multiply cuttings. You can buy seeds on the internet 100-200 seeds for $1.

- Mike

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.