Table of Contents
Introduction
Radish is a fast-growing and widely cultivated root vegetable across India, prized for its crisp texture and distinct pungent flavor. It plays an important role in both kitchen gardening and commercial farming due to its short growing period and adaptability to various climates.
Want to start radish farming? Read this blog till the end to learn how to grow radish in just 7 simple steps!

Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Radish Seeds

Climate for Radish Cultivation
Radish is a hardy crop that can tolerate heat but thrives best in cool weather. The ideal temperature for optimal growth ranges between 10°C and 15°C. Longer days and high temperatures can lead to premature bolting, resulting in poor root formation. Small-rooted types tend to become tough and overly pungent in hot weather, while long-rooted varieties are better suited to withstand heat and rainfall.
Soil for Radish Cultivation
Radish can be grown in a wide range of soil types, but light, well-drained soils are considered best. Sandy loam rich in humus provides the best conditions for smooth, well-shaped roots. Heavy soils often produce rough, misshapen roots with many fibrous lateral roots, reducing their market value. Radish can tolerate slightly acidic soils. For summer cultivation, cool and moist soils like silty loams are preferred.
Season for Radish Cultivation
Radish is a versatile crop that can be grown in different seasons depending on the variety. In the plains of North India, radish can be cultivated year-round. Temperate types, which tolerate frost, are grown between September and January. Tropical varieties are typically sown from mid-September onwards. If sowing is delayed beyond November, early bolting is more likely.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Radish Variety

Various factors such as climate, soil, region, and season need to be considered while selecting the right variety. For your convenience, a few popular varieties are listed below.
Step 3: Procuring Quality Radish Seeds

For successful radish farming, selecting high-quality seeds is essential. Even with the best cultivation practices, poor-quality seeds can lead to low yields and weak plant health. Looking for the best radish seeds? DesiKheti offers a wide range of premium radish seeds tailored to your farming needs. Browse our collection of radish seeds, place your order online, and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Radish Seeds

Proper land preparation is essential for healthy radish growth. The soil should be ploughed 2–3 times to achieve a fine tilth. Apply 12 to 25 tonnes of FYM per hectare during the final ploughing.

Step 5: Sowing Radish Seeds

Radish is usually sown on ridges, with spacing depending on the variety. Temperate varieties, which mature quickly (25–50 days), are sown closely, while tropical varieties need wider spacing due to their larger root size. Typically, two rows of ridges are spaced 45 cm apart and are 22 cm high. Furrows about 1.25 cm deep are made, and seeds are sown in furrows mixed with fine sand or coarse soil. The seeds are then lightly covered with soil.
Step 6: Care After Sowing Radish Seeds

Water Management:
Radish requires regular watering from sowing to harvest for healthy root development. The first irrigation needs to be given immediately after sowing. After that, irrigate once a week depending on the season, soil moisture, and other conditions. If irrigation is restricted, the roots will become tougher and more pungent, making them unfit for marketing. However, avoid overwatering, as it can lead to misshapen roots.
Weed Management:
Weeding and light earthing up once or twice during the crop cycle help maintain plant health and improve yield.
Step 7: Harvesting Radish

Depending on the variety, radishes are ready for harvest 25 to 55 days after sowing the seeds. Radishes need to be harvested when the roots are tender and fully developed. Delayed harvesting, especially for temperate varieties, can make them pithy and unmarketable. European varieties can be uprooted around 20 days after sowing to prevent them from becoming spongy or hollow inside.
Harvesting is done in batches by pulling out mature roots along with their tops. The radishes are then washed to remove soil and packed for sale.

Common FAQs Related to Radish Seed Sowing
Q. What climate is best for growing radish?
A. Radish thrives best in cool weather with ideal temperatures ranging between 10°C and 15°C. It can tolerate some heat but grows poorly in very high temperatures.
Q. Which soil is best for growing radish?
A. Light, well-drained sandy loam soil rich in organic matter is ideal for growing radish.
Q. When can radish be harvested?
A. Radish can be harvested 25 to 55 days after sowing, depending on the variety. It is best to harvest when the roots are tender and fully developed.
Q. What is the scientific name of radish?
A. The scientific name of radish is Raphanus sativus.

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