Radishes in Barns of Claverhouse
Raphanus sativus
A fast, hardy root crop for UK gardens, best grown in cool weather for crisp roots with a clean peppery bite. Sow little and often in open ground or a deep container, keep the soil evenly moist, and pull roots promptly before they get woody.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Radish
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds
7 Mar – 12 Augevery 2 weeksSow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 7th March - 12th August and cover with a light layer of fine soil. Sow a fresh batch every 14 days for a steady supply, and keep the drills evenly watered after sowing.
Thin Seedlings
4 Jun – 8 JunWhen the seedlings are large enough to handle, from 4th June, thin them to leave the strongest plants apart. Snip surplus seedlings at soil level so you don't disturb the roots you want to keep.
Water Regularly
4 Jun – 12 OctFrom 4th June until 12th October, water little and often so the soil stays evenly moist. Dry soil makes roots hot, woody and quick to bolt, especially in warm spells.
Harvest Roots
19 Jun – 12 OctLift roots as soon as they reach a usable size, from 19th June through 19th June - 12th October. Don't leave them in the ground too long, or they'll become pithy and tough. Pick them promptly and re-sow a fresh row to keep the crop coming.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Radish.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Radish to consider
French Breakfast 3
Long, red roots with a white tip and a mild flavour. Good for quick summer cropping in open ground or containers.
Sparkler 3
Round, red-and-white roots that stay crisp if picked small. A dependable choice for mixed sowings.
Cherry Belle
Small, round scarlet roots with quick maturity and reliable shape. Suits early and succession sowings.
Icicle
A white, elongated radish with a clean flavour and fast growth. Best picked young for the best texture.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.