Why Do Radishes Turn Woody?

Causes of Woodiness

• Depending on the variety, and given good growing conditions, radishes mature within 22 to 70 days. Summer radishes mature most quickly. One cause of woodiness in radishes is poor growing conditions, such as inadequate levels of fertilizer and dry conditions. Radishes that grow too slowly become woody. Allowing radishes to grow for too long also increases woodiness. Harvest them as soon as they are big enough to eat.

Growing Conditions

• Radishes will grow well in most soil types, providing the soil bed is well prepared. Dig over the soil and rake it until it is fine and crumbly before sowing seed. Radishes grow quickly, and need adequate levels of fertilizer, so add chemical fertilizer according to the manufacturer's guidelines, or dig in compost or well-rotted manure. Water the ground thoroughly after sowing, and continue to water regularly. Do not allow the ground to dry out.

Sowing Radishes

• Timing is important when sowing radishes. Sow summer radishes in the spring or fall. Most cannot tolerate summer heat well, except for the varieties Icicle and French Breakfast. Sow winter radishes from midsummer to late summer. Summer radishes only require 1 inch or less between plants while winter radishes require 3 to 4 inches. Thin emerging seedlings to this distance. Regular harvesting of summer radishes as they mature ensures adequate growing room.

Other Problems

• In latitudes above 40 degrees north, root maggots are sometimes a problem. Apply a suitable soil insecticide according to manufacturer's guidelines. Roots can sometimes fail to develop when seedlings are too crowded, the weather is too hot or the plants are too shaded. Roots will crack and split if the plants are left too long before harvesting, and they will taste excessively hot. Roots will also split if they receive a lot of water after a period of dryness.