Purple Plum – OP

To grow radishes from seed, sow seeds 10mm deep in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, with added blood n bone but not much other additional fertiliser otherwise they will grow big leaves at the expense of the roots.  Depleted soil after a heavy crop can yield the best radishes. Space them 3-7cm apart in rows 20-30cm apart and keeping the soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings once they have their first true leaves to the recommended spacing. Water regularly to prevent issues, and harvest when the roots are firm to the touch. Preparation Choose a spot: Select a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial. Prepare the soil: Radishes prefer well-drained soil that is loose enough for roots to grow. Dig in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality and moisture retention. Planting Sow seeds: Sow seeds directly into the garden or containers. Planting depth and spacing: Plant seeds 10mm deep. Space seeds 3-7cm apart in rows that are 20-30cm apart. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 3-4 weeks. Water: Water the newly planted seeds thoroughly to ensure good soil-to-seed contact. Growing and Care Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Uneven watering can cause roots to split or bolt (prematurely flower). Thinning: Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them to the recommended spacing. Fertilizing: Radishes are generally light feeders. If your soil needs a boost, you can mix in a balanced fertilizer or compost. Pest control: Protect young seedlings from pests like snails and slugs. Harvesting Timing: Radishes are fast-growing, with many varieties ready for harvest in 4-8 weeks. Check plant labels for specific harvest times. How to harvest: Gently pull the entire plant from the ground. Check for size: The root is ready when the top part is visible and firm to the touch.