When to plant Radishes in the UK

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
Sow outdoors March to September, harvest April to October.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    late March to late September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills around late March to late September. Cover with of fine soil and water the drills. Sow a fresh batch every 14 days. Skip a sowing in a hot, dry spell and wait for cooler, damper weather.

    • In midsummer, a little light shade helps keep roots mild.
    • Slugs go for young seedlings. Check the row after rain.
    • Fork the bed to break compaction. Pick out stones and rake to a fine tilth before you sow.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    late March to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from late March to late October, thin to apart as soon as the row looks crowded. Snip extras at soil level so you do not disturb the roots you want to keep.

    • Tiny holes in the leaves are flea beetle. They look worse than they are on radish.

  3. 03

    Water Regularly

    late March to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From late March until late October, keep the soil evenly moist. Uneven watering splits the roots. If the soil dries out, they stay small, go woody, or bolt in heat.

  4. 04

    Harvest Roots

    late April to late October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Lift roots once they are about across, from late April until late October. Do not leave them in the ground. They go woody if you wait. 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.