Is Growing Radishes Really So Easy?

Radishes have earned this reputation as one of the easiest vegetables you can grow, but let me tell you—that's not every gardener's experience.

Since they pop up so quickly, radishes are terrific for marking your rows—especially alongside slow-poke crops like carrots and parsnips that seem to take forever to germinate. That's probably why they're so popular. But plenty of gardeners, ourselves included, have struggled with those little red globe types. Even when you thin them properly, not every plant produces a decent root. Leave them in the ground a day too long and they'll split open or develop a harsh, fiery bite.

If globe radishes work for you, wonderful! But if you're in the same boat as us, here's my advice: try a larger variety like the 'French Breakfast' shown here. These have been fantastic for us in the Northeast. Plant them every two weeks and you'll have a steady, stress-free supply all season long.

Since we like mixing things up, we also grow a daikon variety. These are typically white, though you can find them in other colors, and we plant them in late summer for a fall harvest. Our go-to is 'Miyashige White'—absolutely delicious whether tossed in a stir-fry or simmered in Indian dishes. Two new ones we're experimenting with this year are 'Green Meat', a nifty white-tipped larger radish also destined for the fall garden, and 'Chinese Green Luobo', another fall variety we're excited to try.

A trusted gardening friend swears by the red 'German Giant'. It's an heirloom radish that, as the name suggests, traces back to Germany and remains hugely popular on Amish farms. The real selling point? It stays mild and sweet even when it grows large, unlike so many radishes that turn bitter and harsh.

We really do love experimenting with different varieties, especially the new ones. And not ones to give up easily, we're going to give those globe-type radishes another shot this year. We're trying a blend called 'Easter Egg' that produces red, white, pink, purple, and bi-colored roots. Who knows—maybe this'll be the spring we finally catch a break with them!

Gardening Jones is a Pennsylvania-based master gardener.Read her other Horticulture posts hereand learn more atgardeningjones.com/._____________________________________________Get a special bundle of seed packs, including 'Easter Egg' radishes, in theChildren's Garden Collection from Renee's Garden Seeds.

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