Kitchen Garden Forum

Just a quickie Q, if I may. I've never had trouble with radishes before but this year most of mine (French Breakfast and Sparkler) are growing lots of foliage and very little "body". Soil preparation, manuring etc has been same as ever. Anyone any suggestions as to what might be wrong? What's the "ideal" soil and manuring for radish? I love 'em
Thanks, John N.

I have a neighbour on the lottie who has said the same thing John. She is letting hers go to seed to save. I have some pack choi which is doing the same and have taken it out now. I think it is just this crazy weather this year. At least they are both quick growing and plenty of time to put some more in.

Beryl.

Odd that. I've had the best radishes ever so I can't say it's the weather. The first lot were sown in a container in the greenhouse and subsequent sowings made outside into ordinary soil with a good layer of compost mulch and not much else. I believe they need lots of water once the roots start to swell and that's something we're not short of in Cumbria!!

Yes, water is the problem Solway, John and I are both in the south and yes, we have had lots but the soil is now drying out very quickly.

Beryl.

My sister had this problem when she grew her radishes in a container of potting compost!

Hi Beryl,
I would suggest that your neighbour is saving seed from a plant that is not performing well which to me is a great mistake. She is likely to get just the same from her saved seed next year so to me this is the time to invest in some new seed. Buy some new seed now and if they perform well then allow some of these to mature and surely these would be the seeds to save.
JB.

Yes, I agree with you JB. I did mention it last year but I think she wanted to prove it for herself. Seed is so cheap, its not worth all the bother.

Beryl.

Hi Beryl,
Could be that your neighbour is saving seed originally from an F1 Radish
which might explain the non-performance.
JB.

I have mentioned it JB but it seems to fall on deaf ears. Can't do no more.
Thanks anyway.

Beryl.

My son is growing veg for the first time this year, and he has had exactly the same experience with radishes - lots of foliage, but no "body" forming before they bolted. He grew Sparkler. My own French Breakfast fared a little better, but not as good as usual!

My son is also growing turnip, and says that there is a mass of foliage on that - as it is in the same family as radish, I am wondering if the same thing is going to happen to it. Time will tell.