Radishes which are cool-season crops grow best in the cool spring and autumn seasons. To grow radishes indoors, you will need a container and similar to direct sowing of radish seeds outside, when sowing radish seeds indoors, ensure that the seeds are spaced about 3 inches apart as this will help in preventing overcrowding which can be detrimental to the growth of the radish.
Due to the fact that radish seeds are tiny, it is not necessary to bury them much deep. You can bury them just a few centimeters. Radish needs about 7 days to germinate. Ensure to keep the top layer of the soil adequately moist.
I) Growing Containers
You need to get a good container having a good drainage. A black plastic growers pot or fabric growing bags are suitable for growing radishes indoors. Ensure to place a plastic saucer, plastic, or sheet underneath your containers to avoid soiling the floors when watering your radishes.
A clay terracotta pot is also suitable for growing radishes indoors but if you are getting one, make sure to get that which is large enough. A 10 inch diameter or perhaps, larger is okay. Ensure to select an unglazed terracotta.
Unglazed pots are known to wick up and evaporate excess moisture. When choosing a container, choose that which is nothing less than a foot deep. For most containers, this falls under the category of a 5-gallon pot for example, and is even larger than that.
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II) Soil Preparation
Prepare the soil by mixing a bit of all-purpose or general purpose potting soil with a composted soil mixture and also, with a bit of bone meal. Potting soil is that, which is made essentially for container growing. Composted soil mixture contains essential nutrients which are added to your radishes.
III) Watering
It is not news that radishes are known to love cool, moist soil. This is because they thrive in it and are very suitable for their growth and development. However when watering, ensure to avoid excessive watering.
Water adequately but not excessively. After watering, the water runs through your container, and some drops land in the plastic saucer or sheath placed underneath. When this happens, empty the saucer or sheet. You can also purchase a moisture meter. A moisture meter will help you determine the level of moisture of your container soil.
Read also: How to Grow Radish Step by Step
IV) Temperature
Radish is a cool-season crop that grows best in short days. The minimum and maximum seed germination temperatures are 5°C and 35°C respectively. The optimum seed germination temperature, it falls between 13°C and 30°C. For the most flavourful and the crispiest radishes, they grow best in moderately cool temperatures which falls between 10°C and 21°C.
V) Pests and Diseases
Pests such as aphids, flea beetles, e.t.c can be burdensome and affect your radishes. You can control aphids by washing them with insecticidal soap. Downy mildew can also affect your radish plants but they can be avoided by providing proper air circulation and keeping the foliage dry.
Read also: How long does Radish take to Grow (Step By Step Answer)
Conclusion
Growing radishes in containers is as easy as growing them in your garden. Also, these radishes vary and their harvesting periods differ on the basis of their varieties.
For the early maturing radish cultivars, harvest within 20 – 40 days after planting and for Asian radish varieties, Daikon being an example, you can harvest within 60 – 70 days after planting.
Once mature, harvest them and not only radish roots can be harvested, radish tops can be harvested too. Follow the steps carefully well and you can have your radish successfully grown in your container.
