Radishes are one of the first vegetables harvested from the spring garden. They are a cool season crop, quick to mature, and easy to grow making them a favourite for many gardeners including children who like to see quick results!

 

First cultivated in China thousands of years ago, radishes will grow almost anywhere if they are given consistent moisture, sun, and loose well drained, fertile soil. They need very little space and will grow well in containers if the container is at least 4 inches deep.

 

The key to growing tender, good tasting radishes is to keep them growing quickly. Seeds can be sown in early spring as soon as the soil warms up and can be worked. Sow the seeds directly into the soil following the planting directions given on the seed packet. They can be planted in rows or scattered in a small plot. Do not sow too many seeds at one time as they mature quickly and must be harvested within a few days after maturing or else they become woody and tough.

 

It is better to some sow seeds in 10-14 day intervals during the spring/early summer so you will have a constant supply of fresh, tender radishes. Radishes are a cool weather crop and so do not do as well in hot mid-summer temperatures .

 

A cooler slightly shaded area of the garden during the hot summer days would be better. Because radishes germinate and mature so quickly some gardeners have mixed the radish seeds with slower growing crops such as carrots, parsnips, beets, etc and by the time the radishes have been pulled and harvested there will be enough room for the slower crops to continue to grow and mature.

 

After the seed has germinated in 4-10 days depending on variety they should be thinned out so that there is enough room for the root to develop. Radishes belong to the same family as cabbage, broccoli, etc and can be bothered by cabbage root maggots and cutworms. To prevent this from happening a floating crop cover over the radishes will prevent the fly from laying the eggs on the soil.

 

Consistent moisture is very important in growing tender radishes. Do not let them suffer through a drought as this can cause them to loose flavour, split, have a cracked centre, and become woody. Depending on the variety radishes can be harvested within 3-5 weeks when they become large enough. Once harvested you can plant another crop of radish or perhaps a crop of lettuce, or greens.

 

The most popular radishes are the round little 'Cherry Belles' which have a bright red skin, white crispy flesh, mild taste and are very fast maturing as are the 'Early Scarlet Globe' and the slightly larger 'Crimson Giant'. The 'Sparkler White Tip' has a red top half and white bottom half with a tender, sweet tasting flesh. 'French Breakfast' also are red top, white bottom but they are cylindrical in shape rather than round similar to the 'Bamba' variety from 'McFayden Seeds'.

 

Radishes don't just come in red. There are the white varieties that include 'White Icicle' which have long slim white roots, medium-hot white crispy flesh or the globe shaped 'White Globe' that have a spicy tasting crispy, white flesh. A longer maturing white radish is the 'Chinese White Winter' which have 8 inch long roots and is a winter radish.

 

 'Livingston Seed Co.' has two interesting looking varieties among their radish seeds. One is called 'Watermelon' and these radishes have a white skin and a dark pink flesh and edible flowers and the other is 'Purple Plum' which have bright purple roots that look like a plum.

 

Radishes are high in water and roughage so they make you feel full. They are also high in Vitamin C especially if you eat the foliage which is good on some varieties such as White Icicle. All parts of the radish are edible and if you leave some to go to seed the pods are tender before the seed is set and if left to form seed the seeds before they dry are also tasty.

There is a variety available from 'McFayden' called 'Rat Tail' and these radishes are grown for the seed pods which are rich in vitamins and are said to have a pungent flavour and make good finger food or can be mixed in salads or pickled.

 

If you are looking for something early and easy to grow that can be eaten within a few weeks then you need to plant some radishes in your garden. Not only do they make an attractive garnish but they are also tasty and add a crunch to your salad!

 

 

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George: