Radishes are one of the nutritious root vegetables featured in both raw salads as well as in main recipes. They have great nutritional value and are super easy to grow, which makes them a favorite with first-time veggie gardeners.
PLANT TYPE: Annual
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Raphanus sativus
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, deep sandy loam
pH RANGE: 6.0 - 7.0
MOISTURE/WATERING: Moist but not saturated
MATURITY IN DAYS: 25 - 35
KNOWN PESTS: Flea beetles
KNOWN DISEASES: N/A
Radishes do not like the summer heat and are best planted right before spring after there is no more frost. The seeds do best in loose soil that allows good ball development. They can be harvested and eaten in as little as 3 weeks after planting.
Radishes also make great companions plants when paired with beets, carrots, spinach, and parsnips. Radishes grow well with cucumbers and beans. It's said that summer planting near leaf lettuce makes the radishes more tender. Do not plant radishes near cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kohlrabi or turnips.
Ones you start growing the basic varieties try your hand at some more uncommon varieties. Below is an old French variety that is sold via Amazon.
I regularly plant radishes in my garden. I love Avocado Toast and add Radishes whenever I have some on hand. Try it, you won't regret it!
