Radish Anatomy

• When a radish seed germinates, it sends a taproot into the soil and leaves above ground. As the leaves develop, they begin manufacturing food through photosynthesis, delivering much of it to the root, which absorbs additional nutrients and moisture from the soil, causing it to enlarge.
  
  

Root Anatomy

• As the radish root enlarges, the remnant of the original taproot, along with its small fibrous side roots, remains attached to the bottom, continuing its work of absorbing water and nutrients into the plant until it is harvested.
  
  

Harvest

• Radishes grow very quickly are ready to harvest in about three weeks when they are roughly 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Pull each root gently from the soil, cut off the tops, wash the radishes and store them in cold water in the refrigerator. Once picked, radishes soon become soft and spongy if not refrigerated.