Commercial Production of Radishes in Mississippi
There is no significant commercial production of radishes in Mississippi. At one time, however, Mississippi's Gulf Coast produced significant tonnages.
Soil
Radishes require a well-pulverized seedbed. The elongated types require a soil free from clods, rocks, sticks, or other obstacles to even growth. Sandy loams, loamy sands, and silt loams types of soil are best. Radishes are intolerant of poorly drained soils. Soil pH levels should be at least 6.0.Radishes are available in three distinct types: spring (or summer) includes the round red and elongated French breakfast forms that require 25 to 35 days; daikon are white elongated radishes that require 40 to 50 days; and winter radishes, which require 50 to 60 days. Winter radishes come in several shapes and colors and can be stored just as carrots are stored.
Varieties
Spring round red:Champion, Fuego, Cherry Belle, Scarlet Globe
Spring
round red and white:
Sparkler
Spring elongated
red and white:
French Breakfast, Flamivil
Spring elongated
white:
White Icicle
Daikon:
Omny, Summer Cross #3
Winter:
Chinese Rose, Chinese White, Round Black Spanish, Long Black Spanish
Planting Dates
Radishes are frost tolerant and emerge most quickly when soil temperatures exceed 60 degrees. Plant winter types in early fall, since excessive cold makes them form seed stalks. Harvest the spring types before average daily temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Seeding Rates
Spring radishes are sown in 6- to 10-inch rows, frequently 3 to 5 rows per bed. Spacing is 1 to 11/2 inches in a row. Daikon and winter radishes are sown at 2 to 6 inches in a row, depending on root size. These seeding rates require as much as 15 pounds per acre for the spring radishes, and as little as 3 pounds per acre for daikon or winter radishes. Prepare seedbeds so precision planters can place all seed 1/2 inch deep, and spaced so thinning is not required. Uniform seeding depth is important for uniform maturity.
Fertilization
Apply according to soil test. Radishes require high levels of nutrients due to the short growing season and small root system. Apply Boron at 2 pounds per acre.
Irrigation
Anything that restricts the rapid growth of radishes results in pithy, cracked, harsh-tasting roots. Ample moisture is the most easily controlled factor in growth. Radishes require 1 inch of water per week.
Weed Control
Dacthal and Roundup are the only herbicides labeled for use on radishes. Generally, no chemical weed control is used due to the short growing season. Mechanical cultivation is kept shallow to avoid root damage.
Nematodes
Radishes are susceptible to nematode damage. Consult with your county Extension agent about the free nematode assay procedure. Vapam soil fumigant controls nematodes and most other soil-borne pests.
Diseases
Radishes share many diseases with other members of the crucifer family. Never plant radishes following cabbage, broccoli, greens, turnips, rapeseed, or Chinese cabbage. Proper rotation and the use of resistant varieties are the best control measures, since there are no fungicides labeled for use on radishes.
Insect Control
Aphids, cabbage loopers, diamondback moth larvae, and leaf miners are the major pests of radishes in Mississippi. Read Extension Publication 544 for proper chemicals to use. Bacterial insecticides such as Dipel, Thuricide, Javelin, and others have proven effective against the caterpillars.
Harvesting
Radishes are harvested when the desired size has been reached. The radishes are undercut with a blade for hand harvest or are machine harvested. Most round red radishes are topped and placed in plastic bags, while Daikon and winter radishes are tied in 5- to 12-count bunches. As soon as possible, cool the radishes to 33 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity.
Marketing
Radishes have two grades: U.S. No. 1 and Commercial. The minimum root diameter is 3/8 inch, and all other specifications deal with quality factors. The spring radishes, especially the French breakfast type, are prone to decay in transit, so temperature control is important for shipping. Red radishes are used extensively in salad bars, so appearance is important.
Yield
Florida's average yield is 2 tons per acre.
The information given here is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended of other products that may also be suitable.
By Dr. David Nagel, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Information Sheet
1504
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress,
May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director
Copyright by
Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.
This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational
purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University
Extension Service.
Visit: DAFVM
|| USDA
Search our Site ||
Need more information about this subject?
Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Feb-09 14:06:20
URL: http://msucares.com/pubs/infosheets/is1504.htm
Mississippi State University
is an equal opportunity institution.
Recommendations on this web site do not endorse
any commercial products or trade names.