Is fall planting suitable for radishes?

Fall planting has its advantages for the radish. The nights are cooler, and bolting plants are less liable to occur, while the soil is in condition even in December to work when called for, although one seldom, if ever, has occasion in the spring to plant in December. My best crops of radish were obtained in the autumn; the air gave a crispness to the roots that was highly palatable.

Time: fall planting 4-6 weeks before your first expected frost, allowing roots time to mature before the ground freezes. I use last recorded frost dates from local agricultural extensions. The soil temperature should be around 45-65°F (7-18°C) to reach harvest size before freezing. Cool temperatures slow root growth, which may enhance the flavor.

Winter radish types do quite well for fall planting. The daikon develops big roots for storage. The China Rose variety develops a sweeter flavor after a light frost. I grow those a little later in the season than spring types. The greater time on the plant produces an impressive yield.

Frost exposure develops a natural sweetness in winter radishes; the cold turns the starches into sugars, vastly improving the flavor. I generally leave several of the roots out in the ground until after the light frosts, pulling them before there is danger of hard freezing.

As the temperature drops, implement protective measures against the cold: use row covers at night, place a mulch of straw around the base of each plant, and if possible, set up temporary hoop houses for continued harvesting during the autumn months.

Read the full article: When to Plant Radishes: Expert Guide