When to Pick Radishes: A Complete Guide to Harvesting for Flavour and Crunch
Introduction
Radishes are a fast-growing favourite in any garden — crisp, colourful, and ready in just a few weeks. But one of the most common questions growers ask is:
When should I pick my radishes?
Harvest too early and you’ll get tiny, underdeveloped roots. Wait too long and they’ll turn woody, hollow, or bitter. The secret lies in timing your harvest just right based on variety, appearance, and touch.
In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to know exactly when to pick radishes, how to avoid overripe disappointments, and how to store and enjoy your harvest for peak taste and nutrition.
Quick Answer: When to Pick Radishes
Most spring radishes are ready to harvest 3 to 5 weeks after sowing, while larger winter varieties take 6 to 10 weeks. You’ll know it’s time to pick when:
- The top of the root (shoulder) is visible at the soil line
- The root feels firm and round to the touch
- The size matches the expected variety dimensions
Once they’re mature, you typically have a 7–10 day window to harvest them before they decline in quality.
Radish Harvest Time by Variety
| Radish Type | Days to Maturity | Signs to Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Belle | 21–25 days | Round red shoulder showing above soil |
| French Breakfast | 25–30 days | Elongated root, red with white tip |
| Sparkler | 22–28 days | Small globe, red and white skin |
| Daikon (Mooli) | 50–70 days | Thick, white root showing at surface |
| Watermelon Radish | 60–75 days | Round root, pale green top, firm feel |
| Black Spanish | 60–80 days | Large dark root, firm texture, no softness |
Always refer to your seed packet for specific timeframes, then double-check with the signs listed below.
5 Signs Your Radishes Are Ready to Pick
1. Visible Root Shoulders
The top of the radish begins to bulge above the soil, known as the “shoulder.” This is your clearest visual cue that it’s nearly time to harvest.
2. Firm Texture
Give the shoulder a gentle press:
- If it feels hard and solid, it’s mature.
- If it’s soft, leave it a few more days.
3. Correct Size for the Variety
Know what size your radish should be:
- Spring types: ~2–3 cm wide
- Daikon: Up to 30 cm long
- Watermelon: ~5–10 cm diameter
Larger doesn’t mean better — oversized radishes often become woody.
4. Leaf Growth Slows
When leaf growth plateaus, the plant is channelling energy into the root. This usually means the radish is at or near harvest size.
5. Days Since Sowing
Keep a garden journal or mark your sowing date on the calendar. If the recommended days to maturity have passed, start testing a few radishes.
How to Pick Radishes Correctly
Step-by-Step:
- Water the soil if dry — it helps loosen roots.
- Gently grasp the base of the leaves.
- Wiggle and pull upwards.
- Shake off loose soil.
- Twist off the tops if storing — this prevents moisture loss from the root.
Use the morning hours for crisp, cool radishes with maximum flavour.
What Happens If You Pick Too Early?
Radishes harvested too soon may be:
- Undersized
- Mild in flavour or watery
- Lacking full texture and snap
- Less satisfying for meals or storage
There’s no harm in early harvesting, but you won’t get the best from your crop.
What Happens If You Pick Too Late?
Letting radishes stay in the ground too long leads to:
- Woody or fibrous texture
- Hollow or split roots
- Bitter or spicy flavour
- Cracking or bolting (flowering)
Overripe radishes quickly lose culinary appeal. Monitor them closely once they reach maturity.
How Often Should You Check for Harvest?
Check every 1–2 days once you approach the expected maturity window. If you’re unsure, pull one radish to test — this helps you gauge whether the rest are ready.
How Long Can Radishes Stay in the Ground?
Once mature, radishes can usually stay in the soil for 7–10 days. After that:
- They risk going woody or splitting
- Hot weather may trigger bolting
- Flavour becomes overly sharp or musty
To extend harvest time, sow successive rows every 7–10 days for continuous crops.
Can You Pick Radishes One at a Time?
Yes! You don’t have to harvest the entire row at once. In fact, selective harvesting allows:
- Smaller radishes to continue growing
- You to eat as needed
- More flexibility in your meal planning
Harvest every second radish for size testing and improved spacing.
Harvesting Radishes in Containers
If you grow radishes in pots or raised beds:
- Use loose, well-drained compost
- Water consistently
- Check daily — containers can dry out faster, affecting maturity
- Lift roots gently to avoid disturbing nearby plants
After Harvest: Storing Your Radishes
- Trim the tops immediately to keep the roots crisp
- Store in the fridge in a breathable bag or lidded container
- Keep dry — excess moisture shortens shelf life
- Best used within 7–10 days
Radish leaves are edible too — use them in pesto, soups, or stir-fries within 2–3 days of harvesting.
Bonus Tip: Can You Eat Bolted Radishes?
If your radishes bolt (go to flower), the root is likely tough and inedible. However:
- The flowers and seed pods are edible!
- Use them in salads or stir-fries — they have a radish-like zing
Conclusion
So, when should you pick radishes? Ideally, when:
- The shoulder is visible at soil level
- The root is firm and round
- You’ve reached 21–30 days for spring varieties, or 50–70+ for winter types
By monitoring your crop and acting at the right time, you’ll get flavourful, crisp radishes every time — perfect for raw snacks, roasting, pickling, and more.
Remember: don’t wait for size alone. Radishes mature quickly — and they’re best enjoyed fresh from the soil.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Picking Radishes
1. How do I know when to pick radishes?
Look for a firm, round root showing above the soil, and match the size to the variety.
2. How long after planting can I harvest radishes?
Spring types: 3–5 weeks. Winter types: 6–10 weeks.
3. Can you harvest radishes too late?
Yes — they become woody, bitter, or hollow if left too long.
4. Do radishes regrow after picking?
No — the root is the main crop. For more, sow again.
5. How often should I harvest?
Check every few days during harvest time — pick as needed.
6. Can I leave radishes in the ground?
Only for about 7–10 days after maturity. Then quality declines.
7. What time of day should I pick radishes?
Morning is best — the roots are cool, crisp, and full of flavour.
8. Can you eat radish leaves?
Yes! Use them in soups, stir-fries, pesto, or salads.
9. Why are my radishes only leaves and no root?
Likely too much nitrogen or overcrowding. Thin early and balance soil.
10. What should I do with cracked or hollow radishes?
Compost them or use for seed saving if they’ve bolted.