Radish
Raphanus sativus
Radish is a fast-growing root vegetable in the cabbage family, grown for its crisp, brightly colored roots. Many varieties go from seed to harvest in under a month, making it a favorite for impatient and beginner gardeners.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Keep soil moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a root vegetable in the Brassicaceae (cabbage and mustard) family, grown for its swollen taproot. It has been cultivated since ancient times in Europe and Asia.
Small salad radishes are among the quickest of all vegetables to mature, often ready in 25 to 35 days. Larger types, such as the long white daikon and winter radishes, take longer and store well.
Roots range from round to long and come in red, white, pink, purple, and black, with crisp white flesh.
How to identify it
Radish is a small leafy plant with a swollen, brightly colored root.
- Leaves: Rough, lobed, green leaves in a low rosette
- Root: Swollen taproot, round to elongated, in red, white, pink, purple, or black, with crisp white flesh
- Flowers: White to pale purple four-petaled flowers if left to bolt
- Seed pods: Slender pods after flowering
- Size: Salad types 1 to 2 inches; daikon and winter types much larger
Care & growing
Radishes are quick, easy, and ideal for beginners.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist for fast, even, crack-free roots
- Soil: Loose, stone-free, well-draining soil so roots can swell evenly; pH 6.0 to 7.0
- Temperature: Cool-season; thrives 50 to 70 F. Heat triggers bolting and coarse, woody roots.
- Feeding: Little needed; excess nitrogen grows leaves at the expense of roots
- Propagation: Direct sow seed and thin seedlings for room to bulb. Sow in succession every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
Habitat & origin
Radishes were domesticated in Eurasia long ago and were known to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. The exact wild origin is uncertain, but the crop spread widely across temperate Europe and Asia.
Today radishes are grown worldwide. Small salad types are a global garden staple, while large daikon and winter radishes are especially important in East and South Asian farming and gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my radishes grow lots of leaves but no root?
Too much nitrogen, overcrowding, or warm weather pushes leafy growth at the expense of roots. Thin seedlings, avoid heavy feeding, and grow in cool conditions.
How fast do radishes grow?
Small salad radishes can be ready in just 25 to 35 days, among the quickest of all vegetables. Larger winter types take two months or more.
What colors do radishes come in?
Roots come in red, white, pink, purple, and black, in shapes from small and round to long and tapered, usually with crisp white flesh inside.
Why are my radish roots cracking?
Cracking is usually caused by uneven watering or letting roots grow too long before harvest. Keep moisture steady and harvest on time.
Radish guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Radish.
