|
| Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners is a citizen science program
|
|
|
|
'Tillage Radish Cover Crop' Radishes |
| |
| Sub-Category: |
Winter/Daikon
|
| Sub-Category 2: |
| | Description: |
Tillage radish is the perfect crop for breaking up hardpan soils or improving tilth in workable but heavy clays. It is similar to a daikon radish, with big, strong roots that plunge deep into the soil. Sown in late summer, these roots carve deep channels into the soil and are later winter killed, which turns the roots into mush as the soil thaws. After a few weeks, the root mush starts to dry up, leaving behind air channels that help establish deeper tilth and dramatically increases the surface area of the soil that is exposed to air, allowing the soil to dry out more quickly—especially helpful in wet springs.
Sow 4-8 weeks before first fall frost (Late August or early September in zones 5-7). Note that you'll want to avoid putting brassica crops directly into beds just occupied by tillage radish. Wait til later in the season or the following year.
1 ounce sows 125 square feet.
¼ pound sows 400 square feet.
½ pound, sows 800 square feet.
|
| Days To Maturity: |
0-70
|
| Seed Sources: |
Hudson Valley Seed Co - updated in 2025
|
| |
| Rating Summary |
| |
Overall: (3.0 Stars)
Taste: (0.5 Stars)
Yield: (0.5 Stars)
Ease/Reliability: (0.5 Stars) |
| |
|
|
Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners is a citizen science program, © 2004-2026, All Rights Reserved
Cornell Garden Based Learning, Cornell University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Horticulture Section
|
VVfG home
Overall
Overall
