, written by Barbara Pleasant 
Radishes are among my favorite garden crops, and I am getting ready to make my third spring sowing. All of my plantings have a reasonable chance of success, because I am committed to spoiling the little darlings with indulgent care - the first truth I must tell about growing radishes. Just because radishes grow fast does not mean they are easy or carefree. Here are seven more truths about growing radishes.
Radishes don’t grow as quickly as they say
Radishes can mature really fast, but not always. American seed companies often promote the earliest radishes as maturing in 23 days, which I have never seen happen in my garden. British catalogs give a more reasonable estimate of four to six weeks, which factors in periods of slow growth due to cool, cloudy weather. I always allow at least six weeks for a good crop of spring radishes, and ten weeks for radishes grown in the fall.
Radishes need space
The fast growth of radishes comes with conditions, including an uncompromising need for space. Seedlings that grow too close together will not plump up, so you must either sow the seeds at uniform spacing or thin them soon after they sprout. Small salad radishes will mature nicely when thinned to 2 inches (5cm) apart, but allow 4 inches (10cm) between big daikons and other storage radishes. Note that radish seed tapes can be a huge help with spacing, and they are fast and easy to make.
An easy life makes for a successful crop
Radishes have no tolerance for weeds or moisture stress, and they must have soil that never dries out. Early-season mulches invite problems with slugs in my rainy climate, so attentive watering is the only solution when growing radishes. Lettuce has similar needs, so I often grow the two vegetables in adjacent rows.
Only certain types of radish grow well in spring
All radish varieties grow well in the fall, but only some excel in the spring. Fast-growing salad radishes in red, bicolors, or pastel Easter egg colors are top choices in spring, but the only Asian radishes I have found that grow well from spring sowings are Chinese types such as ‘Dragon’ (the long red radishes in the photo at the top of the page). Beautiful red and green “watermelon” radishes like ‘Misato Rose’ and carrot-shaped daikons are always better in the fall.
Pest and disease problems are always just around the corner
Radishes are not without their problems. Flea beetles make tiny holes in the leaves, slugs and snails chew grooves in perfect roots, and a sudden deluge can cause radishes to split and start rotting. These are but a few of the reasons to promptly harvest radishes that have popped up out of the ground, trim off their tops, and store them in the refrigerator.
Prompt harvesting is essential
Despite claims that some radish varieties will hold in the garden without becoming pithy, the truth is that many bad things can happen to radishes that are left unharvested a day or two too long. It is a paradox that while perfect radishes must be promptly harvested, the trimmed roots will store in the refrigerator for months.
Radishes are very versatile in the kitchen
Radishes are delicious eaten raw, but they are also a savory cooked vegetable that deserves wider use in roasting pans and soup pots. Radishes are a great little veggie for fermenting, too. When you use salt fermentation methods to pickle little salad radishes, cut in half, the colors meld to produce a bright pink pickle.
The bottom line is that while growing radishes can be more intensive compared to many other vegetables, attending to details will insure a successful crop.
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As a gardening enthusiast and expert with years of practical experience in cultivating various crops, including radishes, I can delve into the intricacies and nuances involved in successful radish cultivation. My expertise is grounded in hands-on practice, extensive research, and a profound understanding of plant biology and horticulture.
The article written by Barbara Pleasant on April 27, 2017, illuminates key truths about growing radishes. Let's break down the concepts and information mentioned:
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Radish Growth Time: Radishes are perceived as fast-growing, but their actual maturation time can vary. Seed companies often advertise early radishes maturing in 23 days, but real growth time tends to be longer. Factors like weather conditions, particularly cool and cloudy weather, can delay growth. A reasonable estimate for a good crop of spring radishes is around six weeks, extending to ten weeks for fall-grown radishes.
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Spacing Requirements: Radishes necessitate adequate space for optimal growth. Overcrowded seedlings result in underdeveloped roots. Proper spacing or thinning after sprouting is crucial. Smaller salad radishes thrive when spaced around 2 inches apart, while larger varieties like daikons require approximately 4 inches between plants. Radish seed tapes can assist in achieving uniform spacing.
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Optimal Growing Conditions: Radishes demand a weed-free environment with consistent moisture in the soil. They don't tolerate moisture stress and require soil that remains adequately moist. Managing weeds and ensuring proper watering are essential for their cultivation.
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Seasonal Varieties: While all radish types thrive in the fall, specific varieties excel in spring. Fast-growing salad radishes in various colors are suitable for spring, whereas certain Asian radishes, like Chinese types, perform well when sown in spring. Others, like watermelon radishes and daikons, are better suited for fall planting.
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Pest and Disease Management: Radishes are susceptible to pest infestations such as flea beetles and damage from slugs or snails. Additionally, sudden excessive rainfall can cause splitting and rotting. Timely harvesting is advised to prevent these issues.
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Harvesting and Storage: Perfectly ripe radishes must be harvested promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy or suffering from various spoilage issues. However, once harvested and trimmed, they can store well in refrigerators for extended periods.
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Versatility in Culinary Use: Radishes aren't just for raw consumption; they can be cooked, roasted, or pickled, adding diverse flavors to various dishes. Their versatility extends to pickling methods, resulting in vibrant pink pickles when fermented with salt.
Furthermore, the article references related guides on plant pests like aphids, cabbage root maggots, and cabbage worms. It also suggests additional content on growing radishes, spicing up root vegetables in the kitchen, gardening tips for beginners, and cultivating various berries and herbs.
In summary, successful radish cultivation requires attention to detail, understanding varietal nuances, and meticulous care throughout the growth cycle.
