Growing Asian Rat-Tail Radishes

Preparation

• Rat-tail radishes require full sunlight and rich, well-drained soil. To prepare the planting bed, remove weeds and rocks, then cultivate the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Dig 3 inches of compost or manure into the soil to enrich the soil and improve drainage. In addition, dig in a dry organic fertilizer such as bone meal or blood meal at a rate of 1/2 cup of fertilizer for every 10 square feet of planting space.

Planting

• Large, bushy plants, rat-tail radishes require ample growing space to prevent the plants from becoming overcrowded. Make shallow rows 18 to 24 inches apart with the corner of a hoe. Plant seeds 6 to 9 inches apart and cover them with about 1/2 inch of soil. Water immediately and keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy until the seeds germinate. When the plants are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to a spacing of 12 to 18 inches. The tender seedlings that you pull during the thinning process can be added to salads.

Care

• Rat-tail radishes require regular water and consistently moist soil; otherwise, the pods become fibrous and bitter. As a general rule, 1 inch of water per week is adequate. However, the plants may require more water during hot, dry weather. A 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch keeps the soil moist and helps keep weeds in check. Give the plants a boost with a liquid fish emulsion fertilizer about 30 to 40 days after planting. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 5 or 6 tablespoons in 1 gallon of water. Be sure to provide support for the plants, as rat-tail radishes are thin-stemmed plants that eventually reach heights of 2 to 5 feet. A tomato cage is an effective support, but you can also use a stake or trellis.

Pests

• Like regular radishes, healthy, well-watered rat-tail radishes are rarely bothered by pests. If you notice pests such as flea beetles or aphids, spray the plants with an insecticidal soap spray. Mix the spray at a rate of 2 1/2 tablespoons per gallon of water, increasing the mix to 10 tablespoons per gallon if the infestation is heavy. Spray the plants during the warmest part of the day. Because insecticidal soap spray kills on contact and has no residual effect, it is safer than traditional pesticides. However, the spray requires reapplication every four to seven days until the pests are eradicated.