How to grow radish from seeds in Containers.

Radish is a root vegetable that is consumed all over the world. It contains lots of antioxidants and minerals such as calcium and potassium. Some of the health benefits of radish are that it brings down blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease. There are several varieties of radish, most varieties can be harvested within 4 weeks. Daikon or winter radish takes about 6 to 7 weeks to mature. This vegetable germinates soon and it is easy to plant radish especially if you are a beginner.

Growing conditions for radish

Radish is a cool weather crop. Planting radish during summers when the temperatures are high can result in bolting. The best time to plant radish is during Spring and Fall. The optimum temperature needed is between 18°C-29° C (64°F- 84°F). Seeds germinate within 3-4 days. Radish needs at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day. You can harvest Daikon radish within 6-7 weeks.

To grow radish in containers you will need one that is at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Daikon variety will need a container that is at least 12 to 14 inches deep.

How to grow radish from seeds

Take a container that is at least 8 inches deep (Daikon will need a container that is at least 12 to 14 inches deep). The diameter depends upon the number of radish seeds you sow in it. Fill it with a potting mix that contains 20 % garden soil, 30 % coarse sand and 50 % compost. Root crops need phosphorous to produce big bulbs. Bone meal is rich in phosphorous. You can amend the soil with half a teaspoon of bone meal as well. If you have a container that has a diameter of 8 inches you can grow 3 to 4 radishes in it. You can grow 3 to 4 Daikon radishes in a container that has a diameter of 12 inches.

Transplanting radish seedlings can harm the plant, so its best to sow them directly in containers.You can soak the seeds for 8 hours in water before you sow them. Gently sow the seeds and cover them with a thin layer of soil and water it. Seeds should be sown half inch deep. If you are growing small radish varieties make sure there is 2 inch gap between the seeds. If you are growing the daikon variety, make sure there is 4 inch gap between two seeds. Radish should be watered when the soil is dry and at the same time avoid over-watering.

You will start to see seeds germinating within a week. Make sure you place the container in a place that gets at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day. You can add compost to your plants once in 2 weeks.

You can harvest your radish when the roots grow about an inch. Radish can be harvested within 20 to 30 days. You can harvest the Daikon variety within 50 to 60 days. When you leave the radish in the soil for too long, it becomes more hardy, bitter and does not taste good.

Pests and Diseases

Radish grown in containers is not affected by pests in most cases. Aphids and flea beetles might harm your plants. Flea beetles harm the leaves but not the radish bulb. Using neem oil is an effective way to repel aphids and other pests. Here is an article on how to get rid of aphids.