Plant Library/Radish
Radish, shown to help identify the cropDinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Raphanus sativus

Radish

Beginner
Spring & Fall & Winter3–7 days to 22–35 days to harvestFull SunContainer friendly

Radishes are fast, satisfying, and wonderfully obvious once their shoulders peek above the soil.

SpringFallWinter

01 / Overview

A friendly first look

Radishes are fast, satisfying, and wonderfully obvious once their shoulders peek above the soil.

Gardens do not run on exact clocks. The timing here is a useful estimate; weather, temperature, and variety all get a vote.

02 / When to plant

Give it the right kind of day

Radish does best in Spring and Fall and Winter. Cool soil and mild days help this crop settle in. Check your local before deciding on a week.

SunFull SunWaterWater consistently so roots grow evenly and stay mild.SoilLoose, stone-free soil that lets roots expand.

03 / Growth timeline

From seed to supper

1

Seed

Day 0

Start with fresh seed.

2

Germination

3–7 days

Keep the soil gently moist.

3

Sprout

1–2 weeks

The first leaves appear.

4

Seedling

2–4 weeks

True leaves begin growing.

5

Mature plant

Varies

Growth becomes fuller and stronger.

6

Harvest

22–35 days

Look for the crop-specific signs below.

04 / Ready to harvest

How to know it’s ready

  • Root shoulders are visible
  • Roots are about 1 inch across
  • Leaves are still fresh
  • The packet’s harvest window has arrived

05 / How to harvest

A gentle, simple harvest

  1. 1

    Brush soil away from one root shoulder.

  2. 2

    Grip leaves at the base.

  3. 3

    Pull straight up and rinse.

▶Find a harvesting videoOpen a beginner-friendly YouTube search

06 / Beginner mistakes

Small course corrections

01

Waiting until roots get woody

Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.

02

Crowding seedlings

Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.

03

Using hard, compact soil

Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.

07 / Care notes

Your quick care checklist

  • Direct sow
  • Thin to 2 inches
  • Keep moisture steady
  • Check size early

Common problems

Tiny roots often mean crowding.

Split roots can follow uneven watering.

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