Holly's Homestead — Root Vegetable
Radish
Raphanus sativus · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 25–35 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 25–35 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
3–5cm × 15cm
Depth
1cm
01Fast succession sowing
Radishes mature so quickly that a thick sowing needs thinning within days, and a new row can go in every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow thinly, little and often for a continuous harvest.
Soil
Light, loose, well-drained.
Timing
Sow year-round in mild zones; avoid the height of summer heat, which causes bolting.
03Growing care
- Thin early to avoid stunted, misshapen roots.
- Keep soil evenly moist — dry spells make roots hot and woody.
- Harvest promptly; radishes turn pithy if left too long.
- Succession sow every 2 weeks for continuous crops.
04Problems
- Bolting — heat or stress triggers flowering; sow in cooler months.
- Flea beetle — small holes in leaves; net young plants.
- Splitting — irregular watering.
- Woody texture — left in the ground too long.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Shoulders visible at soil surface, golf-ball sized for most varieties.
Method
Pull gently by the leaves.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, 1–2 weeks; remove tops first.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CarrotLettuceCucumberPeasAvoid nearby
HyssopRotation note
Rotate with brassica family on a 2–3 year cycle.