Radishes

Question 1

Explain site selection and soil details for radishes.

Answer 1

• Open, sheltered site (not too hot/sunny)
• pH 6.5 - 7.5.

Question 2

Explain sowing of radishes.

Answer 2

• Successional sowing is carried out at 2 to 3 week intervals from early March to May
• Later sowing can be carried out in June to mid-July
• Autumn sowings are possible
• Thinly sowed in 13mm V-shaped drills, thin to 2.5cm
• 15cm between rows.

Question 3

Explain the cultivation of radishes.

Answer 3

• Hoe regularly between rows
• Water in dry spells to discourage bolting.

Question 4

Explain harvesting of radishes.

Answer 4

Pick when large enough and use straight away. Don’t let them become too large or they become woody.

Question 5

Name a pest and a disease of radishes, including symptoms and control methods.

Answer 5

Flea Beetle

• Small holes and pits eaten out of young leaves
• Water well in dry weather; use a sticky trap

Radish Scab

• Bacterial infection causing scabby corky tissue
• Avoid heavily limed soils; irrigate regularly in dry weather; crop rotation.

Question 6

Name three radish cultivars.

Answer 6

• ‘French Breakfast’
• ‘Cherry Belle’
• ‘Rudi’.