When to Harvest Radishes

We all love radishes in different flavors. Some of us like them to have a spicy taste. In contrast, a few of us love the crispy feel of radishes. However, it is hard to tell what the fruit’s behavior is like during the growth of radish plants. Since the fruit is underneath the ground, we’ll need some experience to harvest the plant. 

A little off with the timing of harvesting the plant can have worse effects on the fruit. Thus, it is vital to know the signs that tell you about when to harvest radishes. After checking these signs, we can decide better when to pick radishes from the garden. This practice will give us the best returns in the form of healthy fruit. 

Methods to see When to Harvest Radishes

A few indicators tell us if the radish is ready for harvesting. Most of us ignore the instructions on the packet, but when it comes to harvesting time, the information on the seed packet is accurate. Radish is available in different types, each with a different harvesting period. But, generally, radishes are quick-growing vegetables. Let’s see the few indicators to see when to harvest radishes. 

Length of the Roots

The length of the radish’s roots is the first indicator of its maturity. When ready for harvesting, each type of Radish has a different root size. The details are following. 

Spring Radish 

French breakfast and Cherry Belle are the two most famous types of Spring Radishes. These are the fastest-growing radishes and are ready for harvesting, usually after 20 – 30 days of planting. Check the roots of the Radish after 20 days. They are prepared to harvest when the roots reach an inch in diameter. As soon as you see the roots with an inch diameter, start the harvesting. Leaving the fruit under the ground for a long can make the radish less crispy and woody. 

Summer Radish

Summer Radishes include varieties like versatile French breakfast and White Icicle. These radishes take longer than Spring radishes to be ready for harvesting. The regular time these radishes take to be ready for harvesting is around 30 to 40 days after planting. These radishes are slightly larger than the spring ones. Once the roots of the Summer radish reach one and a half inches in diameter, they are ready to harvest. Monitor the size of their roots regularly to avoid changing their taste. 

Winter Radish

Black Spanish and Daikon are the most common types of Winter Radish. They are different from the other types in that you need to be patient while planting them. Winter Radish takes 50 to 70 days to mature after planting. They are also larger than other types. When you see their roots grow to a diameter of two to four inches, it means they are ready for harvesting. 

Speciality Radish

Specialty radishes have a distinct flavor and look. One example is the Watermelon Radish. It usually takes 60 to 70 days for these radishes to mature. Look for roots with a diameter of up to three inches when harvesting. This diameter answers the “when to harvest radishes’ question for specialty radishes.  A lively and colorful interior indicates that the watermelon radish is ready to be eaten.

Radish Greens and Harvesting Time

After checking the roots, you may sometimes need to check the radish’s greens. The foliage of this plant gives valuable information about the harvesting time. Let’s see these details. 

Spring Radish and Their Greens

Cherry Belle and French Breakfast radishes are two spring radishes that develop quickly. When the roots are ready to be harvested, around 20 to 30 days after planting, the greens of these radishes usually reach a height of six to eight inches. The thick, verdant tips show that the radish roots have sufficiently grown. If the greens begin to turn yellow or wilt, it could mean that the radishes are overripe and will grow woody if we don’t pick them right away.

Summer Radish and Their Greens

Summer radishes follow a similar trend, albeit they grow a little bit later—usually 30 to 40 days—including types like White Icicle. These radishes usually develop green tops that are eight to ten inches tall. When the greens are healthy and vibrant, it means the radishes are getting close to reaching their ideal size and flavor. By keeping an eye on the greens, you may pick the radishes before they get too big and lose their soft texture.

Winter Radish and Their Greens

Winter radishes, like Black Spanish and Daikon, take longer to mature—usually 50 to 70 days. These radishes can produce greens that are up to twelve inches tall. The long greens are a good sign that the roots are growing and getting close to maturity below. Winter radish greens can stay healthy and greener for longer than spring or summer radishes, giving you a little more leeway in picking them.

Speciality Radish and their Greens

Specialty radishes, such as the Watermelon Radish, also have consistent greens. These radishes mature in 60 to 70 days, and their greens typically grow to ten to twelve inches. The bright, healthy greens indicate that the flavor and color of the radish roots are beginning to grow. If you harvest these specialty radishes while the greens are vigorous and lush, you will be guaranteed to savor their full, distinct flavor.

Using Green to See When to Harvest Radishes

The readiness of the radish roots can be accurately determined by looking at the length and condition of the radish greens. By keeping a regular eye on the greens, you can find the best time to harvest. To be sure the radishes are ripe, gently examine the size of the roots and the greens.

Tasty radish roots grow when healthy green tops are maintained, which is supported by regular watering and ensuring the plants get enough sunlight. By listening to the signals from the radish greens, you can time your harvests properly and savor the freshest, most flavorful radishes from your garden.

Shoulder Test to See When to Harvest Radishes

There are hardly any things more rewarding than eating a home-grown, crunchy radish. Along with the two methods we shared above, the shoulder test is the most straightforward test to check when radishes are ready to harvest. In this test, we inspect the visible part of the root, which is often known as the shoulder. People refer to this part of the root as the shoulder since it is above the soil. 

What is the Shoulder Test?

You can quickly and painlessly perform the shoulder test to determine if your radishes are ready to be harvested. Without overly disturbing the plant, you can determine the maturity of the radish root by looking at the exposed portion just above the soil line.

How to Perform Shoulder Test?

• Check the Radish Bed: Let’s start by looking at the radish bed. Push just a little bit above the soil’s surface to seek out roots that have exposed their shoulders.
• Feel the Firmness: Apply light pressure to the radish’s exposed portion. It should feel solid to the touch. If the shoulder feels soft or spongy, the radish may be overripe or have begun to rot.
• Check Uniformity: Examine many radishes in various areas of the bed. When the crop is firm in the shoulders and consistently large, it is ready to be harvested.
• Check the Size: Depending on the kind, the radish’s shoulders should be visible and roughly the size of a marble, if not slightly larger. The shoulders of spring and summer radishes typically have a diameter of about one inch. Specialty and winter radishes often have bigger shoulders.

Negative effects of late Harvesting

Reddish is one of the best additions to your garden. Its crisp and spicy flavor is a treat for everyone. Reddish grows quickly, so we need to keep a regular eye on its growth. Suppose we leave it on the ground too long; its taste changes. You can also see adverse effects on its texture and quality. 

Woody Texture

The most frequent problem with radishes planted too long is their texture getting woody. When radishes are crisp and delicate, they are at their best. The fibers inside the root grow more noticeable as they ripen past the best time to harvest, giving the root a rough, woody appearance. This point can make them challenging to cook with and less appealing to consume raw.

Increased Bitterness

Long-term storage of radishes in the ground might also cause them to turn bitter. The radish’s inherent sugars start to decompose, giving it a more robust, less flavorful flavor. This bitterness can overpower radishes’ modest spiciness, making them unappealing in many recipes.

Splits and Cracks

Root splitting and cracking are another problem that results from keeping radishes in the ground for extended periods of time. Pressure from within the radish can split its outer skin as it grows larger. In addition to changing the radish’s look, this can penetrate the root with dirt and bacteria, making it less hygienic and more difficult to clean.

Bolting and Flowering

Radish plants can bolt and bloom if they are not picked. During the bolting process, a plant transfers energy from developing roots to making seeds. When radishes bolt, their quality declines, and their roots cease to grow. The radish’s best harvest season ends when the blossoms and seed pods appear, yet they can still be interesting.

Overall Low Quality

Apart from the particular problems listed above, radishes left in the ground for an extended period of time usually suffer from a general deterioration in quality. The roots may grow deformed, and their vivid hues may fade. The radishes become less appetizing for culinary use since they lose their delightful crisp and fresh flavor.

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FAQs

Following are the few commonly asked questions about harvesting radishes. 

1- How do I know my radishes are ready to harvest?

For spring and summer kinds, radishes are ready to be harvested when the roots are about an inch in diameter. Using the shoulder test, check the exposed portion of the radish above the soil’s surface. Upon touching, the radish should feel firm.

2- What happens if I leave radish under the ground too long?

Suppose we leave them on the ground too long, and their taste changes. This can also negatively affect their texture and quality. 

3- Can I eat radish green?

Yes, radish greens are edible. You can use them as a Salad. 

Final Thoughts

Now we understand that growing radishes at home isn’t a boring endeavor. This delicate process needs our complete focus and attention. We only need to check the indicators so we can harvest the radish at the exact time.