Radish is a cool-season root crop that matures to marketable size in 24 to 30 days under favorable weather conditions. The best quality roots are produced in spring or fall when temperatures are in the range of 50°F to 65°F, when daylength is short to moderate, and when grown with ample moisture. As temperatures increase and as the days become longer during summer (>15 hours), radish tends to bolt (go to seed) and the roots become pithy and pungent. To minimize the adverse effects of summer, maintain a high level of soil moisture.

For Current information on production methods (including varieties, spacing, seeding, and fertility), weed, disease, and insect management, please visit the New England Vegetable Management Guide website [3]

Major disease problems in this crop:

• Brassicas, Alternaria Leaf Spot [4]
• Brassicas, Black Rot [5]
• Brassicas Boron Deficiency [6]
• Brassicas, Club Root [7]
• Brassicas, Downy Mildew [8]
• Potato, Scab [9]

Major insect pests that affect this crop:

• Cabbage Root Maggot [10]
• Cutworm, Black [11]
• Cutworm, Variegated [12]
• Flea Beetle, Crucifer [13]