Raphanus sativus

RHS Plant Profile
common radish

Other common names

cultivated radish, garden radish, rabone

Annual Biennial

This is the wild variety from which all edible radishes have been bred. They come in many shapes, sizes and colours; from small globes to long, tapering torpedoes, in shades of red, pink, white, yellow and purple-skinned. If left to flower, the flowers are four-petalled pale yellow or cream on a stem of about 30-40cm

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Raphanus can be annual, biennial or perennial herbaceous plants, often with lyrate, glaucous leaves, small, four-petalled flowers and indehiscent fruits. Edible species are cultivated as annual vegetables (radish)
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moisture-retentive soil as long as it isn't too acidic, in full sun. For more advice see radish cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails, and flea beetles

Diseases

May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew