How to grow Radish in Australia
A fast root crop for full sun in loose, stone free soil that drains well. Sow direct and thin early so roots have room to swell, as crowding gives all leaf and no root.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 3 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 5 cm
- Time to harvest: 30 days
- Time to germinate: 6 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to September | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to September | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to September | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to September | Extend window: Mar to Sep in Melbourne. Cool temps slow bolting; fast harvests in cool season. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to September | Mediterranean: avoid Jan to Feb sowing. Radish best Mar to Sept. |
| Perth & WA | March to September | Mediterranean: avoid Jan to Feb sowing. Radish best Mar to Sept. |
| Tasmania | August to March | Sow Aug to Mar, a row every fortnight. Quick and trouble-free in the cool. |
| Canberra & ACT | September to March | Fast crop. Sow Sep to Mar; winter sowings fail in cold soil. Succession sow every 3 weeks. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Dry season only. Sow May to Sep. Radish bolts in wet season heat. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to September | Dry season only. Sow May to Sep. Radish bolts in wet season heat. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
- Hyssop
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Ready when the shoulders push up and roots are firm and full sized. Grasp the leaves and pull straight up; pick promptly before they turn woody.
Storage
Fridge with tops removed, up to 1 week.