Climate
- Commonly radish is a cool season crop but the Asian varieties can tolerate high temperature than European varieties.
- The roots develop best flavor, texture and size at 10-15o
- A long day as well as high temperature will result in bolting without adequate root formation.
- During hot weather, the roots become hard and pungent before reaching the proper size and therefore should be harvested while young and small in size.
Soil
- It may be grown in all kind of soil but light soil such as sandy loam which is rich in humus is preferred.
- Heavy soil is avoided because they produce rough, ill shaped roots with a number of small fibrous laterals.
Field Preparation
- The field should be prepared by ploughing at least 4-5 times so as to make the soil very loose and smooth so that there is no interference in root development.
Time of Sowing
- The time of planting depend on variety and agro climatic condition.
Spacing and Method of sowing
- Seeds are sown on 23 25 cm high ridges.
- European type-Ridge-ridge=45cm, Plant to plant=2 3 cm
- Seeds germinate 5 10 days of sowing. If moisture is lacking in the soil, irrigate lightly immediately after sowing. Thinning of plant is necessary for maintaining for proper spacing.
Seed rate
- European type: – 12 Kg/ha
- Asiatic type: – 10 kg/ha