Radish Vs. Oat Seeds

Seed Description

• The dark brown to black radish seed forms into a small tear-drop shape when fully mature. Barely reaching 1/3 of an inch in size, the seed is dwarfed by the larger oat seed. The oat seed grows within a husk covered with fine, silky hairs, according to Purdue University. The 1/2 inch long seed features a thin, spindle shape.

Seed Weight

• Gardeners and farmers use the seed weight to calculate the amount of seed needed to plant a growing area. Radish seed is measured at 32,000 to 64,000 seeds per lb. When planted as a row crop, Ohio State University recommends a seeding rate between 12 to 18 lb. of seed per acre. In contrast, it takes only approximately 11,100 oat seeds to equal 1 lb. North Dakota State University recommends an oat seeding rate of 38 to 62 lbs. per acre for both grain production and forage.

Germination

• The ideal soil temperature for radish germination falls between 45 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Texas A&M. North Carolina State University reports that larger radish seed germinates the earliest. Radish seed should be planted approximately 1/2 an inch deep and will begin emerging in approximately 7 days, depending on the variety planted. For optimum oat seed germination, Washington State University recommends moist soil with a temperature range of 37 to 41 degrees. The ideal planting depth for oats is between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 inches with plants emerging within 7 days. Planting deeper than 3 inches can reduce germination rates.

Seed Viability

• Radish seed remains viable, or able to germinate, for up to five years. Oat seeds share a similar viability. When stored properly, the University of California reports that "oat seed remain viable for a relatively long time."