Radish Seeds - 102 Seeds

Culture & Climate

USDA Zones 3–10. Thrives as a cool-season crop. Best sown in late summer for a fall harvest, or very early spring. Deep, loose, and well-drained soil is absolutely critical for the long taproots to grow straight without forking. Avoid using fresh manure, which can cause roots to become hairy and misshapen.

Sowing Method

Direct Seeding (Highly Recommended): Radishes have fragile taproots and do not transplant well. Sowing directly into the garden is the best practice for straight roots.

Sow outdoors 4–6 weeks before the first fall frost, or in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Plant seeds 1/2" deep, spaced 1–2 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Once established, rigorously thin plants to 4–6 inches apart to allow enough space for large root development.

Temperatures & Germination

Optimum 60–75°F (15–24°C). Can germinate as low as 50°F (10°C). Seeds sprout quickly, usually within 5–8 days. Keep soil consistently and evenly moist; dry soil will cause roots to become overly spicy and woody.

Pests & Diseases

Watch for flea beetles on the leaves and cabbage root maggots in the soil. Placing floating row covers over the beds immediately after sowing is a highly effective, organic way to prevent early pest damage.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest when roots reach the desired size, often when the shoulders push slightly above the soil line, but make sure to pull them before a hard freeze. Crucial step: Remove the leafy green tops immediately after harvesting to prevent moisture loss from the root. Store unwashed in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper for 3–4 weeks, or in a root cellar for 1–2 months.