How to grow radishes

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Salad radishes are fast-growing and simple to cultivate from seed, often ready to harvest in just four weeks. Their compact size makes them perfect for even the smallest gardens, and they work well as gap-fillers in vegetable plots. By sowing small batches every few weeks, you can enjoy a steady supply of crisp, flavorful radishes to brighten up your salads throughout late spring and summer. There are also varieties suited for winter growing, as well as oriental types and those with edible seed pods.

Radishes come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the type. They range from small, round roots to long, tapered ones, and can be found in shades of red, pink, white, yellow, and even black. There are four main types of radishes to consider:

Salad radishes (also called spring or summer radishes) are the most popular and commonly grown. They’re small, quick to mature, and can be planted directly in the ground or containers during spring and summer. Available in many shapes and colors, these radishes are crisp, juicy, and have a refreshing, peppery flavor—perfect for eating raw.

Winter radishes are larger, hardier, and take longer to grow. They’re sown in late summer for a winter harvest. Planting them too early can cause them to bolt (flower prematurely), preventing the root from swelling properly. Most winter radishes have a mild taste, though some varieties can be quite spicy—so be sure to check the seed packet. These radishes are often cooked in stews and stir-fries, similar to turnips. Their edible leaves can grow up to 45 cm (18 inches) tall.

Oriental radishes (also known as Japanese, daikon, or mooli radishes) typically develop long, white, tapering roots. They grow slowly and are usually harvested in late summer or autumn. These radishes can be eaten raw or cooked.

Edible-podded radishes are grown primarily for their spicy seed pods rather than their roots. They’re easy to grow and produce abundantly, especially in warm weather. Their flowering stems can reach 45 cm (18 inches) or taller, and the edible pods provide a peppery crunch that’s great in salads and stir-fries.

When selecting radish varieties, consider those that have received the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), indicating they have performed exceptionally well in trials. You can find a list of AGM fruit and vegetables (135kB PDF) as well as our Recommended Varieties below. For more inspiration on growing vegetables, visit the RHS gardens, where a wide variety of crops—including radishes, salad greens, and other fast-growing plants—are cultivated.