Radish Growing Guide

Radishes are one of the easiest and quickest crops to grow, and come in a huge range of colours, shapes, sizes and flavours – there is possibly a variety to suit every gardener.

While radishes are traditionally a quintessential salad crop, the introduction of oriental varieties in recent years has seen their use increase in cooking and preserving.

Prepare

Radishes are a very easy crop to grow so long as the soil is well cultivated prior to planting. They mature in four to six weeks and can be grown year-round, so with frequent sowings they will provide a constant supply.

Radish seedlings don't transplant readily, so are not available in garden centres. However the seeds germinate easily. 

Refer to our Planting Calendar for when to grow radish in your region. Spring, summer and autumn are the main seasons to sow. 

Popular radish varieties include: Daikon, Easter Egg, Red Cherry, White Icicle and Champion.

Shop Tui Radish Seeds - French Breakfast and Red Globe for a fresh addition to your salads.

Plant

Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. 

Sow radish seeds in full sun, in rows approximately 30cm apart. 

Successive sowing each month will ensure a continuous supply. 

Sowing in garden beds

• Add a layer of Tui Seed Raising Mix to the sowing area.
• Make shallow rows in the mix, and water well.
• Sow the seed as directed on the packet - sprinkling approximately 3-5cm apart.
• Lightly cover with Tui Seed Raising Mix.
• Press soil gently.
• Water lightly and regularly.

Nourish

Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Select a fertiliser specially blended for your crop like Tui Vegetable Food.

Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Radish is a reasonably tolerant crop that will cope with drier periods once established, but it doesn't like wet or shady soils.

While your radishes are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.

Harvest

Easy to harvest, radish can be pulled once they are bigger than a marble. Harvest within a month or so. If left in the ground too long they can become too tough. 

Be vigilant and stop unwanted insects and diseases from ruining your plants. Slugs and snails can be an issue - lay Tui Quash slug and snail control around young plants.