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       P P P P  

(Best months for growing Radish in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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
  • Cherry radish
  • French Breakfast radishes

Small, spicy tasting root vegetable usually round but some longer varieties. Available in a range of colours between red and white.

Very easy to grow. Good for a child's first garden as seedlings appear in two or three days. Sow between other vegetables as they will mark the rows until the slower germinating plants appear.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Radish

Wash well and remove leaves and roots.
Use raw in salads or on their own with bread and butter.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
24 Nov 20, Sarah Browne (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Someone is eating my radish leaves. Tiny pinprick holes. Any advice?
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25 Sep 20, Dennis Naidoo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi I planted bell peppers tomatoes and brinjals They are flowering and some peppers and tomatoes are showing some fruit. What fertlizer can i use to increase fruit Dennis
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05 Oct 20, Nick Baxendale (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Dennis, I use borax, dilute one tablespoon in four litres of water and spray plants when they start to flower, worked like a bomb on my brinjal plants, they also like calcium, take egg shells wash them and then crush into jar of water let stand for a couple of days them treat brinjal plants by pouring water into soil. Please don't forget to wash shells first otherwise you will have a hell of a stink, like my first time. Cheers Nick
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27 Sep 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
A general fertiliser will do. If you start with good rich soil then you really don't need to fertilise again.
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08 Mar 20, Elize (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
How much water do radishes need?
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08 Mar 20, ML (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
A little light watering each day, try and keep the soil moist. During germination and the first few days even twice a day. They have a shallow root system, light watering often.
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09 Feb 17, Danny (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
My radishes grow all top but no bulb. Any ideas.
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10 Feb 17, Julie (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hey Danny, me too! I thought I hadn't planted the seeds deep enough or firmed down the soil hard enough after planting seeds? Will be giving these a go next lot as mine are also growing more above ground than below.... hope these ideas help!
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09 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
The most common cause of lots of leaves and small roots in radishes is an excess of manure which has a lot of nitrogen in it. Nitrogen is what causes leaf growth and is ideal for lettuces, spinach, etc. If you have used a lot of manure plant a leaf crop to use up some of the nitrogen then plant your radishes.All the best.
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30 Jun 16, Gomoco (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
already in the ground, thanks for you tip and weekly updates
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Is June too late to plant radishes in Kansas City, MO?

- Jim

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