Welcome back to the garden. Today, I want to share with you the secrets to growing perfect radishes in the scorching Florida heat, where it’s currently a toasty 81 degrees. I know, it might sound surprising, but growing radishes in warmer climates is totally possible. So, let’s dive into how I’ve been growing radishes successfully in the Florida heat.
Bed Preparation for Growing Perfect Radishes:
At the beginning of fall, I prepared the bed for radishes. I added bone meal, kelp meal, and a bit of Neutra Rich from Azure Standard to enhance the soil. Before radishes, I had cowpeas as a cover crop, providing nutrients to the soil. After cutting them down, I left the residue plant material in the bed for additional nutrients.
Choosing the Right Time:
For Florida, where the nights don’t get very cold, choosing the right time to plant is crucial. I started when daytime temperatures were in the 80s, ensuring nighttime temperatures were in the 60s. Planting in September was a bit early, but despite the longer growth period, some radishes started bulbing, which I considered a win.
Selecting Radish Varieties:
Choosing the right radish varieties for warmer climates is key. I’ve had success with Cherry Bells, watermelon radishes (with a delightful green-red contrast), and Daikon radishes. Daikons take longer, up to 90 days, but their larger size is worth the wait. Selecting varieties adapted to warmer climates is crucial for successful radish growth.
Seeding and Thinning:
Direct sow the radish seeds, ensuring they fall into the soil cracks without fully covering them. Once they sprout, thin them to maintain 2 to 4 inches of space between each radish. Thinning is essential for preventing stunted growth and ensuring proper root development.
Watering for Growing Perfect Radishes:
Radishes need consistent watering. I aim for approximately 1 inch of water per week. Deep watering, preferably less often, encourages root growth. Monitoring soil moisture is crucial, and adjustments can be made based on the specific needs of your garden.
Fertilizing:
While I initially added bone meal and kelp meal during bed preparation, my radishes showed no signs of stress, and I haven’t fertilized them further. If your plants exhibit yellowing leaves or stunted growth, consider a balanced fertilizer with lower nitrogen levels for better root and plant health.
Pest and Disease Management:
Dealing with pests like snails and slugs is common. I address these by manually removing them at night. For other pests, products like BT or spinosad can be used. Regarding diseases, a weekly hydrogen peroxide and water mix serves as a preventive measure, especially for crops prone to blight.
Harvesting:
Harvesting radishes involves checking the size of the root. Pull the radish when the root is of sufficient size, leaving smaller ones to continue growing. Thinning and harvesting ensure healthier, well-developed radishes.
Cooking and Enjoying:
Now for the exciting part – cooking and tasting! I decided to roast the radishes based on your suggestions, and wow, you guys were right! The mature and immature ones both turned out fantastic. The texture is reminiscent of roasted carrots, with a hint of fried potatoes. No peppery taste, no bitterness – just a delightful, crispy snack or side dish.
Thanks for joining me in the garden today. I’ve learned to appreciate radishes in a whole new way, and I’m looking forward to growing more. Happy gardening!
