Q&A for How to Grow Radishes

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  • Question
    What do I do if my radishes are thin?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    This could be caused by a number of things. Make sure your radishes are receiving enough light, moisture, and nutrients.
  • Question
    How many seeds should I plant in a hole?
    Community Answer
    You should plant one seed per small hole.
  • Question
    I have very long stems and tiny fruit. What do I do?
    Sander1
    Community Answer
    You might have sown them too late in the season, when temperatures were too high, and triggered the radishes to seed. Harvest them as soon as possible.
  • Question
    If the tops start to flower, should I cut the flowers off?
    Community Answer
    That is a sign of the radish starting to seed. If you wish for the radish to sprout seeds and germinate, then let them grow. If not, then feel free to cut off the flowers.
  • Question
    How much water does a radish plant need every two days?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to measure out a specific amount, you just want to keep the soil damp so the roots can drink without drowning the radish.
  • Question
    Where can I buy radish seeds?
    Community Answer
    You can buy them at a nearby nursery, or check at a gardening or hardware store. Alternatively, you could ask a friend, neighbor, or gardener who is growing them already.
  • Question
    My radishes are small, dime size, while the top is tall - 14 inches - and flowering. How do I make them bigger?
    Community Answer
    You grew them too late in the season. The temperatures were likely too high, causing the radishes to seed. Radishes shouldn't be grown in general temperatures above about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Harvest what you have as soon as possible.
  • Question
    Why am I getting nice looking tops but no radishes?
    Community Answer
    It could be that you're planting them in the wrong season, or that you aren't being consistent with your watering schedule.
  • Question
    How many inches of water are needed?
    Community Answer
    You may need about 1 or 2 ounces of water the first time, then you may put half as much the second time depending on how dry the soil is.
  • Question
    How many radish seeds are enough?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how many you are wanting to grow, check the germination rate on the packet, and plant more then you need, you can always thin them out later.
  • Question
    Can I grow radishes in patio containers?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, depending on the variety.
  • Question
    I live in New York. Can I plant radishes in October?
    Community Answer
    Yes. As long as you can keep giving the radishes lots of water and cool soil, you are all set.
  • Question
    Will a single seed only yield one radish?
    Harvey
    Community Answer
    Yes, one seed will only grow into one radish plant. A radish plant only produces one main root, so yes, one seed will produce only one radish.
  • Question
    Why do you store the radishes in a cool dark place?
    Community Answer
    Because radishes grow best in that kind of environment.
  • Question
    What nutrients do radishes need?
    Community Answer
    There aren’t specific types of nutrients radishes need, so just try getting some fertilised soil so it can draw out nutrients from it.
  • Question
    Can I plant the seeds more than an inch apart?
    Community Answer
    Yes, planting up to about 10 inches is a good amount. More than that and the roots will grow too much.
  • Question
    Why are my radishes so small?
    Community Answer
    Your radishes may be too small because of a high nitrogen content or you might have planted them in the wrong season.
  • Question
    Why are my radishes growing so slowly?
    Community Answer
    There may not be enough sunlight, or not enough nutrients in the soil. Try adding compost to fix this.
  • Question
    How do I get the red root part of radishes?
    Community Answer
    That is growing beneath the soil. About four or five weeks after the seeds have sprouted, the red radish, the part you eat, should have formed beneath the soil. You can gently push the soil back a little beside base of the stems and you should see that it is growing below there. When they are the size you want to, pull gently at the base of the stems and pull up the entire plant to get the radish.
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