Even though it is best to grow radishes directly in the garden, they can also be grown in pots and this can be an excellent choice for individuals not having a yard or garden. Radishes are fast-growing vegetables and very easy to grow. To grow radishes in pots:
Determine Which Radish Varieties will grow well in Pots
It is possible to grow most types of radish in pots but it gets easier when radishes with specific characteristics are chosen. In determining the radish varieties to be grown in pots, the following should be considered:
Shape & Size: Radishes are of two shapes. They can be round or oblong. Some larger oblong varieties need a lot of soil space for them to mature properly. These types can be planted in deep pots. The only thing is that you won’t get to grow as many as you want. Thus, you should consider a small round variety which can be planted in wide, shallow pots and closer together.
Colour and Taste: This isn’t only applicable when growing radishes in pots. The same goes with growing of radishes in garden. It is best to get a variety of your most preferred choice. There are the zesty varieties just like there are the mild and sweet varieties. There are also different colours of radish ranging from white to yellow and also, purple.
Time to Maturity: The fastest-growing radishes mature in just 26 days. For the slowest growing varieties, they can take up to two months and can most likely exceed the period. Radishes are known to taste best when harvested while the weather is cool, it is best to put the length of your spring or fall into consideration before selecting a variety.
Tips for Growing Radishes in Pots
Choose a Cool Sunny Spot
Due to the fact that radishes are cool-season vegetables, look for a spot which gets adequate amount of sunlight for at least 6 hours and have your pot placed there. Radishes love to be planted and mature while the average temperatures are about 60 degrees. Note that the radishes shouldn’t be placed in too hot conditions.
Find a Wide, Deep Spot
For yield maximization, get a pot which is not only at least six inches deep, but also wide. If growing oblong radishes, a pot around ten inches deep might be required. You can make use of plastic pots and you can also use ceramic pots.
For plastic pots, they are of light weight and quite easy to move. Apart from that, plastic pots are easier to punch extra holes in cases of drainage issues. For ceramic pots, they are earth-friendly and less likely to blow around in wind. You can get a ceramic pot having enough drainage.
Add Loose Potting Soil
Get good quality potting soil. Rocky, dense, or clumpy soil can result into malformed radishes and stunted production. You can make use of loose fresh potting soil which is also sandy enough to permit proper growth. With a good potting soil, moisture is retained without over saturating roots than dirt alone.
Choose Multiple Varieties
Radishes under the same variety will ripen at the same time. Thus, it is best to choose radishes of multiple varieties for you to be able to harvest at different tiers rather than harvesting all at once.
Sow your Seeds when the Weather is Cool
Plant the radish seeds into your pot in early spring. In most climates, this can be done up to one month before the last frost. Having cold days? Bring your pots into the garage or have the pots covered for the night to protect young seedlings.
Once the sprouts are about an inch tall, thin your crop so each plant is spaced at least one inch apart. You can also sow your seeds once the season starts to change at the end of the summer for a late fall harvest.
Water Adequately
Always water adequately and consistently. Also, ensure that the soil is always kept moist but not waterlogged. Ensure to always check your soil daily and water as required.
Weeding
Remove weeds as soon as they sprout before they develop deep root systems. Although when growing radishes in pots, it is less likely that you have to deal with massive seed growth.
All in all, check for weeds periodically and remove all weeds while they are still little. However, be extra careful when weeding as any form of disturbance to the soil can result into the crop’s root becoming malformed.
Check Bulbs and Harvest
In reference to the expected harvest date as regards the instructions on the seed packets, pay close attention so as to harvest as and when due. If the top of the radish bulb appears to be the size expected, then it might be the time for them to be harvested.
Radishes harvested early and while the weather is still cool always tend to have the best texture and most flavour. Although larger, more mature radishes will be sweeter, at the same time, they can quickly become woody or pithy.
Conclusion
Growing radishes is pots is as easy as growing them directly in your yard or garden and radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables. All what is required is to follow the steps accordingly.
Also, planting radish seeds in pots produces radishes quickly and it doesn’t require much effort. When planting your radish seeds, note that the pots should be nothing less than 6 inches deep and due to the fact that radishes are root crops, they should be given enough space to grow deep into the soil.
For larger varieties of radishes, such as Daikons, get a larger pot which has a depth of about 12 – 14 inches in measurement. Once your radishes are harvested, you can store the extra ones in your fridge by cutting the greens off and having the bulbs placed in a bowl of water.
