Q.
I planted radish seeds in 8″ deep planters using miracle grow potting soil
. After approx. 10 days they grew up to approx. 3″ developing 2 leaves and
started falling over. They do not mature. The type of radish seed is Cherry
Belle from Ferry Morse. I’ve planted two
different times and get the same results. What am I doing wrong?
I planted radish seeds in 8″ deep planters using miracle grow potting soil
. After approx. 10 days they grew up to approx. 3″ developing 2 leaves and
started falling over. They do not mature. The type of radish seed is Cherry
Belle from Ferry Morse. I’ve planted two
different times and get the same results. What am I doing wrong?
A. It is usually considered too hot right now, with daytime temperatures still hundred degrees F, to plant radishes. They do much
better when the temperatures begin to cool.
better when the temperatures begin to cool.
I would start planting them no earlier
than about mid-October and you should be able to plant them throughout the
winter in successive plantings up until about May when it gets too hot. Cherry
Belle is an excellent radish and will do well here. Here are just a few of the many varieties we have grown in Las Vegas.
than about mid-October and you should be able to plant them throughout the
winter in successive plantings up until about May when it gets too hot. Cherry
Belle is an excellent radish and will do well here. Here are just a few of the many varieties we have grown in Las Vegas.
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| Chinese red meat radish |
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| Radishes growing with irrigation from drip tape and straw mulch applied |
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| French breakfast radish |
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| White icicle radish |
I have tried dozens of different radish
varieties and not found a radish yet that does not like our climate. However
radishes grown during the cooler months are not as spicy but sweeter than those
grown in the hotter months.
varieties and not found a radish yet that does not like our climate. However
radishes grown during the cooler months are not as spicy but sweeter than those
grown in the hotter months.
Hold off for another month and try
replanting the seed. The potting soil may also be a problem. Seeds like firm
seed beds, not soft seed beds. I would take your soil amendments and mix it
with existing native soil or good-quality sand and tried again.
replanting the seed. The potting soil may also be a problem. Seeds like firm
seed beds, not soft seed beds. I would take your soil amendments and mix it
with existing native soil or good-quality sand and tried again.
After you work in your compost and
prepare the area for planting, your shoes should not sink into the soil more
than about 1/2 inch for a good seed bed. Radishes also grow well in containers.
prepare the area for planting, your shoes should not sink into the soil more
than about 1/2 inch for a good seed bed. Radishes also grow well in containers.
Containers do not have to be terribly
deep. 12 inch deep containers are adequate for radishes and allow the soil to
drain and not become a problem for the plants.
deep. 12 inch deep containers are adequate for radishes and allow the soil to
drain and not become a problem for the plants.
So remember to use a soil mixture with
compost or other soil amendment and make sure the seed that the seed bed is
firm and not soft and fluffy. Watering twice a day until you see the seeds
germinate should be enough. After they germinate water only once a day. I hope
this helps.
compost or other soil amendment and make sure the seed that the seed bed is
firm and not soft and fluffy. Watering twice a day until you see the seeds
germinate should be enough. After they germinate water only once a day. I hope
this helps.
k