What's the fastest-growing radish variety?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Cherry Belle radishes top the speed charts and develop a crisp globe in 22-25 days. I have recorded these red gems ready to harvest in 19 days under grow lights. Their secret is shallow roots that take advantage of warm surface soil. They can also be harvested in succession if paired with French Breakfast (23 days).
Top Varieties
- Cherry Belle: 22-25 days, bolt-resistant
- French Breakfast: 23 days, heat-tolerant
- Sparkler: 24 days, striped skin
Growth Boosters
- Soil temp: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
- 12-hour daylight minimum
- 1/2" seed depth for rapid emergence
To speed up growth, you can pre-soak seeds in chamomile tea for 2 hours. This advice may seem old and perhaps silly, but it helps soften seed coats, which helps with germination. I tried soaking a dozen seeds in 2023 and the soaked Cherry Belle seeds sprouted 36 hours faster than the dry seeds. I also recommend using biodegradable pots, to help avoid transplant shock when seeds grow quickly.
Spring Schedule
- Sow every 7 days starting 4 weeks pre-frost
- Use cold frames for night temps below 40°F (4°C)
- Harvest 3 crops before summer heat
Fall Schedule
- Plant every 10 days starting 8 weeks post-frost
- Apply shade cloth above 75°F (24°C)
- Mulch with straw for frost protection
Gather your fast radishes promptly in the morning, when their roots are full of the moisture absorbed overnight. Store them unwashed in perforated bags. My fridge tests have shown longevity in keeping them fresh for up to 3 weeks. To save seeds, leave two radish plants in the garden to flower - their pods will be ready to peel for seeds in 45 days, and can result in a couple of dozen seeds from each pod.
Read the full article: How to Grow Radishes: 7 Pro Tips for Bumper Harvests
