Radishes in Kestle Mill

Raphanus sativus

Radish
Radish · 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.

20 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Kestle Mill · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow February to April, harvest March to June. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Radish

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    21 Feb to 25 Apr every 2 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 21st February - 25th April 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.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    2 Mar to 9 May

    When the seedlings are large enough to handle, from 2nd March, 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.

  3. 03

    Water Regularly

    20 Feb to 9 Jun

    From 20th February until 9th June, water little and often so the soil stays evenly moist. Dry soil makes roots hot, woody and quick to bolt, especially in warm spells.

  4. 04

    Harvest Roots

    23 Mar to 9 Jun

    Lift roots as soon as they reach a usable size, from 23rd March through 23rd March - 9th June. 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.

Radish guides by town

See how Radish timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.