In this day and age of instant gratification, what gardener doesn’t like a quick-growing veggie?!
I know I do!
There is something so satisfying about seeing the very first seed pop through the soil in the spring…
I honestly think I love radishes more for this quality than actually eating them!
Don’t get me wrong – they make a bright, tasty addition to salads and open-faced sandwiches!
BUT that first plant coming up after a long winter is oddly encouraging.
Germination
Radishes can take mere days to germinate and will tolerate cold much better than most other plants.
As a cold-weather crop, they relish the cool spring temperatures!
Seeding
Another thing I love about radishes is the fact that you can plant them directly in the ground outside; I have even just scattered them without covering them with soil and had wonderful results.
There is no hassle with starting them indoors weeks and weeks before hardening them off and planting outdoors.
Easy is a wonderful thing.
That being said, if you wanted to plant them indoors before the snow melts so you can grow and harvest them in your own home, you certainly can!
They tend to be much more drought tolerant than many plants, as well.
Like I said, easy is a wonderful thing.
By planting in intervals, you can have a steady harvest of radishes all spring (and fall).
I typically like to plant every 1-2 weeks during those times of the year.
Harvesting
They are such a fast-growing veggie that you will be harvesting within a few weeks.
Last summer, Jake saw me munching on a radish while watering the tiny little seedlings of other plants just starting to come up and couldn’t believe that the radish was from my own garden!
They do not do well in the summer heat, so take advantage of spring and fall temps.
When harvesting, you are best to use them the same day as they are best fresh.
Oh! And you can use the radish tops to make a zesty radish pesto so nothing goes to waste!
Make sure to harvest the radishes before they get hard and woody; they tend to bolt and get tough during hotter weather.
Saving Seeds
I allow a few plants to bolt and go to seed each year so I don’t have to continue relying on stores for next year’s plants.
Their flowers are absolutely beautiful little blossoms that smell lovely.
Once the pods have been fully formed and the plant starts to die off, the seeds are almost mature.
I allow them to dry completely before shelling.
As with all seeds, make sure they are stored in a cool, dry, dark place to help preserve their quality.
So what do you think? Is this a fun project to try with your kids or are you already an old hand at growing radishes?
Drop a comment below!
Old House on the Prairie 