RADISH QUICK START CHECKLIST
- Pick your variety from favourites like French Breakfast, Red Globe and Daikon.
- Choose the right spot: Radishes love full sun and loose, well-drained soil.
- Sow directly: Always sow seeds directly into the garden using Tui Seed Raising Mix - radishes don’t transplant well.
- Feed and water regularly for healthy growth. Use a fertiliser option that best suits how you want to garden. For quick visible results try Tui Vege & Herb Liquid Superfood.
- Harvest early: Pull radishes when they’re marble-sized to avoid toughness.
CHOOSE YOUR RADISHES
Radishes are one of the easiest and fastest crops to grow. They’re ready to harvest in just 4–6 weeks and can be sown year-round for a continuous supply. While traditionally used in salads, newer oriental varieties are great for cooking and pickling.
Popular varieties include:
- Daikon
- Easter Egg
- Red Cherry
- French Breakfast
- White Icicle
- Champion
- Red Globe
PREPARE THE SOIL
- Radishes thrive in well-cultivated, free-draining soil. Avoid compacted or wet areas, which can lead to poor root development.
- Prepare your garden bed by mixing Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost into your existing soil. Then add a layer of Tui Seed Raising Mix to create the perfect sowing bed.
GET PLANTING
- Radishes must be sown directly into the ground or containers. Transplanting can damage their roots and lead to misshapen crops.
- Add Tui Seed Raising Mix to the sowing area. If growing in containers make sure they are at least 20-25cm deep and fill with Tui Vegetable Mix.
- Make shallow rows about 30cm apart and water well.
- Sow seeds 3–5cm apart or as directed on the packet.
- Lightly cover with mix and press gently.
- Water lightly and regularly.
FEED AND NOURISH
- Radishes are low-maintenance but benefit from regular feeding to reach their full potential.
- Choose from a variety of different Tui fertiliser options, depending on what suits you and your garden:
- Tui Vege & Herb Liquid Superfood is perfect for quick results as plants are able to absorb the nutrients immediately. Suitable for radishes growing in pots and containers or in the garden. For best results feed weekly.
- Tui Vegetable Food is a granular option formulated specifically for veges planted in garden beds. It can be applied every four weeks and is not recommended for pots and containers.
- Enrich Vege, Tomato & Herb Controlled Release Fertiliser lasts up to six months, making it perfect for gardeners who prefer a ‘feed and forget’ option. It’s also suitable for pots and containers.
- Tui Performance Organics Tomato & Vegetable Fertiliser pellets are an organic option that can be used both in the garden and in pots and containers.
- Keep soil moist throughout the growing season. Radishes tolerate dry spells once established but dislike overly wet or shady conditions.
- Keep soil free of weeds and protect roots with Tui Mulch & Feed as the weather cools, or try Tui Pea Straw for a less manicured look.
- Protect from slugs and snails by applying Tui Quash every few weeks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to plant radishes in New Zealand?
- Radishes can be planted year-round in most parts of New Zealand, but they grow best in spring, summer, and early autumn.
- Sow seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest, avoiding extreme heat or cold for optimal growth.
How long do radishes take to grow?
- Radishes are one of the fastest-growing veges and are usually ready to harvest in just 4–6 weeks.
- Some winter varieties like Daikon may take 8–10 weeks to reach full size.
- Don’t leave radishes in the ground too long or they’ll become woody and tough.
Can I grow radishes in containers or pots in New Zealand?
- Radishes grow well in containers with at least 20–25cm depth.
- Use a loose, free-draining mix and sow seeds directly.
- Keep soil evenly moist and avoid overcrowding for best results.
Why are my radishes small or misshapen?
- Small or misshapen radishes are often caused by compacted soil, overcrowding, inconsistent watering, or chunky objects such as rocks, bark and sticks in the soil.
- To grow healthy radishes, sow seeds in loose, well-prepared soil, thin seedlings early, and maintain even moisture throughout the growing cycle.
Discover more advice and inspiration for growing your own veges at the Vege Hub >