Radish

Radish, Raphanus sativus, is an herbaceous annual or biennial plant in the family Brassicaceae, grown for its edible taproot. The radish plant has a short hairy stem and a rosette (ground level horizontal and circular leaves) of oblong shaped leaves which measure 5–30 cm (2–12 in) in length. The top leaves of the plant are smaller and lance-like. The taproot of the plant is cylindrical or tapering and commonly red or white in color. The radish plant produces multiple purple or pink flowers on racemes which produce 2–12 seeds. The reddish brown seeds are oval, and slightly flattened. Radish is generally grown as an annual plant, surviving only one growing season and can reach 20–100 cm (8–39 in) in height depending on the variety. Radish may also be referred to by the name of the cultivar and names may include Chinese radish, Japanese radish or oriental radish. The origin of the radish plant has not been determined but they are found growing native from the Mediterranean to the Caspian Sea.


The radish root can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked with other ingredients such as meat. The leaves of the plant are also edible and can bu used as a salad green.


Basic requirements Radishes are fast growing cool-season vegetables that grow very well in cool moist climates. the optimum temperature for the growth of radishes is between 10 and 18°C (50–65°F) and they grow best in a well-draining sandy loams which are rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.8 and 6.8.. Radish should be grown in full sun to part shade. Propagation Radish is propagated directly from seed into a prepared bed. Seeds should be planted in late winter to early spring for the first spring crop and plantings can be staggered to provide a continuous harvest. A small amount of nitrogen may be applied to the soil prior to planting (up to 60 kg per hectare). Seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 cm (0.5 in), allowing 2.5 cm (1 in) between individual plants and a further 30 cm (12 in) between rows. Commercial producers may drill seeds using planting rates of 30–40 kg per hectare. General care and maintenance Radishes will benefit from the addition of small amounts of nitrogen fertilizer at regular intervals spaced over the growing season. Seedlings should be kept uniformly moist as they develop, but not wet. Weeds should be carefully removed from around the plants. Harvesting Radishes usually reach full maturity between 30 to 50 days after sowing. They should be harvested promptly as over-mature radishes become woody and develop a bitter taste. The plants may be topped by cutting back the leaves to a height of 7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in) prior to harvesting, or whole plants can be pulled from the soil. Roots should be washed prior to storing to increase longevity.


Anderson, C. R. Radishes. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Available at: http://www.uaex.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-6075.pdf. [Accessed 03 April 15]. Free to access. CABI Crop Protection Compendium. (2012). Raphanus sativus (radish) datasheet. Available at: http://www.cabi.org/cpc/datasheet/46796. [Accessed 03 April 15]. Paid subscription required. Daniels, C. (2013). growing radishes in the home garden. Washington State University Extension. Available at: http://ext100.wsu.edu/benton-franklin/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2014/04/Radishes-FS127E.pdf. [Accessed 03 April 15]. Paid subscription required.