How to grow radishes in pots: ready in a month

Pot and soil

Troughs or pots 15 cm (6 in) deep are enough. Light, fluffy mix with no stones. Sow 1 cm (½ in) deep and thin seedlings to 4-5 cm (2 in) apart.

Sun or part shade. Sow from spring to autumn, avoiding the height of summer.

Keep the soil moist: about every 2 days. Swings between dry and wet split the roots.

Hardly any: the cycle is short and fresh mix is enough. Too much nitrogen means big leaves and small roots.

When it's ready

Shoulder showing at the surface, 2-3 cm across. Left too long it turns pithy and hot.

How to harvest

Pull gently by the leaves while the soil is moist.

Woody or very hot radishes

Picked too late or grown in heat. Harvest as soon as they reach size.

Split roots

Irregular watering. Keep the soil evenly moist.

All leaves, no roots

Sown too thickly or too little light. Thin to 4-5 cm and move the pot into sun.

How long do radishes take to grow?

About 25-35 days from sowing, depending on the season.

When should I pick radishes?

When the root is 2-3 cm (1 in) across and shows at the soil surface. Don't wait: they turn woody in days.

Can I sow radishes all year?

In pots from spring to autumn; in midwinter only in mild climates or under cover.