Holly's Homestead — Root Vegetable
Radish
Raphanus sativus · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 25–35 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown
MATURITY 25–35 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
3–5cm × 15cm
Depth
1cm
01Fast succession sowing
Radishes mature so quickly that a thick sowing needs thinning within days, and a new row can go in every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow thinly, little and often for a continuous harvest.
Soil
Light, loose, well-drained.
Timing
Sow year-round in mild zones; avoid the height of summer heat, which causes bolting.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Thin early to avoid stunted, misshapen roots.
- Keep soil evenly moist — dry spells make roots hot and woody.
- Harvest promptly; radishes turn pithy if left too long.
- Succession sow every 2 weeks for continuous crops.
04Problems
- Bolting — heat or stress triggers flowering; sow in cooler months.
- Flea beetle — small holes in leaves; net young plants.
- Splitting — irregular watering.
- Woody texture — left in the ground too long.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Shoulders visible at soil surface, golf-ball sized for most varieties.
Method
Pull gently by the leaves.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, 1–2 weeks; remove tops first.
Preserving
See Root Cellaring (cool, dark storage without processing) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CarrotLettuceCucumberPeasAvoid nearby
HyssopRotation note
Rotate with brassica family on a 2–3 year cycle.
