Radishes can be found in many varieties, as they can be round or oblong, hot or mild, as well as different colored (red, pink, purple, black or bi-colored). They are fast and easy growers, as they mature in about 25 to 60 days. In addition, radishes can reach from 1″ to 2-4″ in diameter.
Among the radishes types, there are early spring varieties (Cherry Belle, Early Scarlet Globe, Easter Egg), heat tolerant varieties (French Breakfast, Icicle), and winter radishes (China Rose, Round Black Spanish, Daikon).
Planting Radishes Tips
You have to seed radishes directly in the garden soil, in full sun to partial shade areas. The planting can start in early spring, after the soil is dry and can be worked. They can be also planted between other slow growing vegetables. Sow them ½ to ¼ inch deep and leave at least 2 inches between plants. For continual harvest, sow a new crop every 10 to 14 days, but only before the weather doesn`t get too warm.
You can also plant spring radishes in pots or containers as long as you make sure there is at least 4″ of soil depth and you water them frequently.
Maintenance Tips
Thin seedlings when they are 1 to 2 inches tall. Do not throw away the thinned plants, because you can use them in sandwiches or as salad greens.
Being fast growing plants, they don`t need fertilizing, but make sure they are planted in rich well-draining soil. Radishes mature quickly and decline in quality when the temperature gets higher, so check size frequently so that you harvest them until it`s not too late.
Harvesting Tips
Fast maturing, the spring radishes can be harvested in 3 to 4 weeks. When the top portion of the radish is poking up through the soil about an inch, radishes are ready for harvesting. Pull them out the soil or slowly loosen the soil around them. If they are harvested later than required, they get too hot, tough, woody, or have hollow centers
Winter radishes mature slower than other varieties. It can take up to 3 months for them to be ready for harvesting, but make sure you pull them before the ground gets frozen.
Storing Tips
Before storing, remove the green tops because they draw moisture and nutrients from the bulb. You can use plastic and store radishes in the refrigerator for about a week. Winter radishes are much more resistant and they can last for several months in cold storage.
