Gardening is one of the most rewarding activities that you can do, but it is also surprisingly complex. You’ll have plenty of chores to take care of, but also lots of homework to do if you want a bountiful harvest.
You’ll need to know everything about the fruits and vegetables you’re trying to grow, and they are all different, and many of them have competing needs.
But no matter what kind of plant you’re growing, it all begins with a single seed. Today we’re looking at radishes. How many radish seeds per hole should you plant?
Plant two or three radish seeds per hole. This will allow for growth in case one or more do not germinate. Excess radishes that do germinate can be pruned back to prevent competition.
Radishes are among the very best vegetables to grow because they are so adaptable, hardy and easy to take care of.
It can also routinely be planted twice a year since they gross so quickly, once in the spring and once at the end of summer.
There’s a lot more to learn about growing radishes from seed, and I’ll answer more questions below.
How Deep Should You Plant Radish Seeds?
Not very deep, only a half inch to 1 in deep.
How Wide Should the Hole for Radish Seeds Be?
Not wide at all, 1 inch or less. You can also plant radish seeds simply by poking a hole in loose soil with your finger and it gently covering the seed up.
When Should You Plant Radish Seeds?
Most radish cultivars grow very quickly, with most being ready to harvest and just 2 months and many smaller varieties being fully mature and ready to eat in just 30 days.
Accordingly, you can easily get two crops every year in most growing zones by planting once in the early spring as soon as you are able to work the soil, and once again in late summer or very early fall, 4 to 5 weeks before the first frost.
Does Each Radish Seed Grow 1 Radish?
Yes. Each radish seed will grow only a single radish. This is typical, although occasionally you will see bifurcation and two smaller, malformed radishes begin to grow.
What Happens if You Plant Too Many Radish Seeds Together?
Radish seeds should be planted about 3 in apart to allow for proper growth and to prevent competition for resources in the soil.
However, radishes that are planted too close together will compete with each other, stunting growth.
But, if you don’t want to plant multiple seeds per hole you should start planting with seeds only an inch to 2 inches apart, and then when they start to germinate you can thin them out to the prescribed 3-inch-or-more separation.
Are Radishes Easy to Grow?
Yes, very easy to grow! Radishes are among the very easiest vegetables to grow, even among root vegetables, and this makes them a wonderful choice no matter where you live or how much experience you have.
So long as they are getting adequate light and moisture, they are generally forgiving of temperature ranges and other soil factors.
However, they are not invincible, and extremely hot weather can lead to bolting or a serious decline in root quality, ruining your harvest.
Soil and Climate Factors to Consider when Planting Radish Seeds
Your radishes will do best in any soil that is rich, loose or well cultivated, and that drains extensively. Sunny spots are best, although they are somewhat shade tolerant.
However, these vegetables will only thrive in full sun, preferably 6 hours of direct, intense sun each and every day, and more is better.
You’ll know your radishes are getting too much shade if you see them starting to develop more and more leaf growth.
Ensure that the soil has a pH that is neutral or only slightly acidic, very rich, and preferably sandy or full of loam. Also, make sure that the soil is loose or that you till it heavily.
Never compact the soil over the seed you plant because dense, crushing soil will impair the root growth of your radishes.
Lastly, keep your radishes watered, though they only need around an inch of water per week.
Too much water is just as bad as too little in this case, and root rot is common should you over water. Mulch and other ground coverings are a good idea if you want to maintain ideal moisture for your radishes.
How Long Until You Can Harvest Radish When Planting from Seed?
Radishes are typically quick growing veggies, and virtually all mature much faster than other root vegetables like carrots.
But your precise time to harvest depends on the variety that you plant. Some grow extremely quickly! Others take much longer.
Larger, so-called winter radish varieties like the China Rose will mature and be ready for harvest in around 8 to 10 weeks. Smaller varieties like the French Breakfast might be ready in as little as 3 weeks.
Then you also have adaptable or mid-season varieties that are in the middle, like the Sparkler and White Icicle. These are usually ready between 4 and 6 weeks.
Can You Plant Radish Seed Indoors?
Yes, you can. Radishes are generally highly amenable to indoor planting, and ideally suited for container growing.
Container growing is an especially good option if your outdoor soil is very hard. The vast majority of radish cultivars have shallow root systems, and they won’t need very deep containers.
But, as always, you must make sure they get enough light! Consider the use of grow lamps if you don’t have a particularly sunny window to keep them by.
Try to choose a round instead of a long or oblong variety since you won’t need containers that are as deep.
Ensure that pots have plenty of drainage holes, and that they actually drain; soil that gets waterlogged will destroy your radishes!
Consider unglazed earthenware containers since they are naturally breathable, this will help. On the other hand, you’ll have to water your indoor containers more regularly than the soil since any tend to dry out quicker than the ground outside.
Remember: a little bit of water, more often and always check for drainage.
Finally, when it’s time to move your radishes outside or transplant them make sure you harden them off for at least a week and preferably to ahead of time. You’ll lose radishes that you don’t harden off, though there are otherwise generally tolerant of transplanting.
Tom has lived and worked on farms and homesteads from the Carolinas to Kentucky and beyond. He is passionate about helping people prepare for tough times by embracing lifestyles of self-sufficiency.