Radishes (Raphanus sativus) are a fast-growing, easy-to-grow vegetable that can be enjoyed year-round in both indoor and outdoor settings. Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, you can easily grow your own radishes with just a few simple steps. In this article, we will discuss how to grow radishes easily at home, both outdoors and indoors.
Radish History and Varieties
Radish has a long history of human cultivation spanning thousands of years, and today there are many varieties and cultivars of radish. Radish was first grown and eaten in many Asian countries, and then the practice spread to ancient Greece and Rome.
With a maturity period of anywhere between 25-80 days from sowing depending on variety, it’s easy to see why radishes are so commonly grown. Today, some of the most popular varieties of radish include:
- Cherry Belle – the “classic” fast growing radish
- Crimson Giant – relatively large red color radish
- Early Scarlet Globe – fast growing red radish with mild and crisp flesh
- French Breakfast – sausage shaped radish with white root tips
- Golden Helios – traditionally shaped radish, but with yellow color
- Red King – Relatively very large sausage shaped radish with slow maturity time
- Royal Purple – Purple colored radish with a moderate maturity period
How to Grow Radishes Outdoors
Before planting the radish seeds, it is essential to prepare the soil. Start by removing weeds and debris from the selected area, and then open a hole at a depth of about 30 cm, adding organic compost or well-composted manure to improve soil fertility. Avoid adding too much fertilizer; this can cause strange-shaped roots to form, although radishes do like some nitrogen fertilizers added to the soil throughout the growing season.
You can easily buy radish seeds at garden stores or online. Plant the seeds in holes about 1 cm deep and 2.5 cm apart. Place a seed in each hole and cover it with soil. It’s essential to water the seeds immediately after planting and continue watering to keep the soil moist.
Radishes usually take about 40 to 80 days through germination and to be ready to harvest (maturity). Through the growing cycle, you must keep the soil moist; but avoid over-watering as this can cause the roots to rot. Radishes can also be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so monitor weather conditions and protect them from extreme cold or excessive heat.
If the cultivation is successful, you will be able to harvest the radishes up to 80 days after planting (depending on the variety). To harvest, gently pull the plant’s root from the soil or cut it with a sharp knife. Young radishes are generally more tender and flavorful, while older radishes can be spicy. It is crucial to harvest the radishes as soon as they are ready; this way prevents them from becoming woody or bitter.
Also, if you want to grow your radish seedlings, it is possible to do so at home. Just fill a container with moist soil and place the seeds over it, keeping it in a warm, bright place. In about a week, the seeds will begin to germinate. When the seedlings are about an inch to two inches tall, they can be transplanted into the garden soil outside.
How to Grow Radishes Indoors
Radishes are popular vegetables that can be grown both outdoors and indoors. If you choose to grow radishes indoors, you must prepare a proper place to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest. Here are some tips on how to grow radishes indoors.
Light
To grow beautiful radishes, the plant needs to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your plants don’t have access to direct sunlight, you can use LED grow lights without problems. Ensure to use the right amount of light, and keep the lights 10-15 centimeters away from the seedlings to avoid leaf burn.
Watering
Radishes need regular watering to grow. The soil must be kept moist but not soggy. Water the seedlings twice a day or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure excess water can drain out of the tray or pot to prevent root rot.
Seedling production
You can start producing your own radish seedlings in a tray with a substrate suitable for seedlings, keeping the soil moist and in a well-lit place. In about a week, the seeds will begin to germinate. When the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, you can transplant them into a larger pot or divide the tray into individual seedlings.
Harvest
Indoor radishes are ready to harvest about 35-50 days after sowing. Check the size and color of the roots to know when they are ready. Carefully pull them out to avoid damaging the roots. Harvested indoor radishes should be washed and stored in the refrigerator in perforated plastic bags.
In summary, if you want to know how to grow radishes indoors, you will need adequate light, regular watering, learn about seedling production, and practice careful harvesting. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, flavorful radishes year-round, even in limited indoor spaces.
Companion Plants for Radish
Radish is compatible with many types of vegetables and plants, such as tomatoes, carrots, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, peas, beans, garlic, onions, squash, parsnip, etc. The few plants that you should NOT plant near radish are:
- Melons
- Pumpkins
- Potatoes
- Turnips
- Broccoli
- Kohlrabi
- Corn
Common Pests of Radish
There are some pests that like radish as much as you do. Looking at this in a positive way, this enables radish to function as a trap crop in companion planting, by luring pests away from other companion plants. Among the pests of radish are aphids, flea beetles, cutworms, harlequin bugs, and cabbage maggots and loopers. Snails and slugs also have a penchant for radish.
The type of pest will determine the method used to combat them in addition to pesticides. Regular weeding around your radishes will help keep the pests away, as is introducing or welcoming toads into your garden. Row covers will also help protect your radish crop from insect pests.
