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
OVERVIEW:
Radish is another perfect vegetable for kids. They are fast-growing, colorful, like to be watered and are easy to harvest - not many kids like to eat them though.
Radishes do not like hot, dry weather. Radishes also grow very fast and need a lot of moisture. Their flavor will be "hotter" in hot weather and milder in cool Unless you consume huge amounts of radishes, there is no need to dedicate a specific spot in the garden to radishes. Use radishes to mark the start and ends of other rows of plants. plant at different times and grow radishes throughout the garden and you will have a steady supply all season. Radishes are used mainly in salads and as a garnish.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF RADISH:
Begin sowing radish as soon as the ground can be worked. Radish does best in the spring and fall when the soil is cool, 4-18°C (45-65°F) and the days are short. Summer production of radish may not be as uniform. Sow radish ½" apart and ¼” deep in rows 12-18” apart. Thin radishes to approx. 35 seeds/ft. Make successive sowings every 5-7 days to keep a constant supply of fresh radish all season.
COMPANION PLANTING OF RADISH:
Lettuce, bean, beet, carrot, parsnip, pea, spinach. Radish improves the flavour of lettuce.
CARE & GROWING OF RADISH:
Radish requires full sun location, with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Radishes are extremely light feeders; no special soil preparation is required. Sufficient water is essential as the faster the radish grows, the better the flavour. Plant radish in rows with slow germinating seeds like carrots, parsnip and beets to help break the soil and aid in the germination of the slower seeds.
HARVESTING OF RADISH:
Harvest radishes as soon as roots reach a desired size, 20-25 days.
RADISH PESTS & DISEASES:
Radishes may be attacked by flea beetles, small, shiny, hopping insects that leave small holes in the leaves. Avoid planting too early, use row covers or Rotenone dust to control insects. Also, planting with taller growing companions will help to hide the plants from insects.
