Plant Profile
RadishRaphanus sativus
Fast-growing root vegetable with characteristic pungency.
Quick profile
Key data
Suitable growing locations:
Good neighbors
LettuceCarrotPea
Avoid
Cabbage
Indoor & direct sowing
Radish: Sowing and germination
Indoor pre-culture usually only for early greenhouse varieties.
Successive sowing possible; sow winter radishes from July onwards.
Planting & site
Radish: Planting and spacing
Only for pre-grown seedlings for early harvests.
Site & practical notes
Pro tip: Sow radishes in the same row as carrots. The fast-growing radish acts as a row marker and loosens the soil for the slower carrots.
Temperature & frost
Radish: Temperature and site
Water & nutrients
Radish: Water, nutrients and care
Container & growth
Radish: Container, support and growth
Year plan
Radish Calendar
Recurring tasks
Relevant now
June
- No additional single task
Next up
July
- No additional single task
Monthly tasks
Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.
January
Quiet month
February
No additional single task
March
Direct sowing
- Direct sowingSow early varieties if soil is workable.
April
No additional single task
May
No additional single task
June
No additional single task
August
No additional single task
September
No additional single task
October
No additional single task
November
No additional single task
December
Quiet month
Flowering & pollination
Radish Flowering & pollination
Flowering period
May to September (only for seed carriers)
Flower color
White or violet
Self-fertility
self-incompatible
Pollinator needed
yes
Overview
Cross-pollination by insects (bees, hoverflies).
Notes
Insect visits are mandatory for seed setting.
Pruning & care
Radish Pruning & care
Pruning timing
Removal of bolters As soon as the plant bolts, tuber quality declines.
Remove
Preserve
Avoid
Tools and hygiene
Not relevant for standard cultivation; use clean shears for seed saving.
Companion guide
Radish Companion guide
Good neighbors
LettuceCarrotPea
Avoid
Cabbage
Use & storage
Radish Use & storage
Harvest depending on sowing time; winter radishes before hard frost.
Storage
Short to medium-term storable
Storage life
Small radishes 3-5 days; winter radishes in sand up to 6 months.
Flavor
Pungent to mild, spicy due to mustard oils.
Harvest
Harvest depending on sowing time; winter radishes before hard frost.
Processing
After harvest
Remove leaves immediately to stop moisture loss from the tuber.
Edibility & safety
Radish Edibility & safety
For people
In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.
Safety notes
Non-toxic. High consumption can cause stomach irritation in sensitive individuals.
Animal safety
For many animals, this plant is generally low-risk: 14 animal types are rated suitable or mostly suitable. Quantity, plant part, and individual tolerance still matter.
Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.
Companion animals
DogRoot tuber, Young leaves
Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Old, woody leaves
Excessive consumption
Gastrointestinal upset with overconsumption
usually no action needed
Garden radish is safe for dogs in normal amounts. The root tuber, young leaves, seed pods, and flowers can be given as occasional treats. Overconsumption may cause stomach irritation. Old, woody leaves should be avoided as they are difficult to digest.
Open animal page
CatRoot tuber
Leaves, Seed pods, Flowers
Root tuber
Leaves, Seed pods, Flowers
Consumption of large amounts, Sensitivity to pungent compounds
Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
observe
The root tuber of radish is safe for cats in small amounts, while leaves, seeds, and flowers may cause gastrointestinal irritation due to glucosinolates. If large amounts are consumed or symptoms occur, consult a veterinarian.
Open animal page
RabbitRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
High glucosinolate content in seeds, Woody foliage in mature plants
Gastrointestinal irritation, Gas, Diarrhea with overconsumption
observe
Garden radish is safe for rabbits in small amounts, with the root tuber, young leaves, and flowers being suitable for feeding. Seeds and old, woody leaves should be avoided due to higher glucosinolate concentrations. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Introduction should be gradual and in moderation.
Open animal page
Guinea pigRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Overconsumption, Sensitive gastrointestinal tract, Feeding seeds or old leaves
Gastrointestinal upset, Bloating, Diarrhea
observe
Garden radish is suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as an occasional treat. The root tuber, young leaves, and flowers are safe and provide vitamin C and fiber. Seeds and old, woody leaves contain higher concentrations of glucosinolates and may cause gastrointestinal irritation if overfed. Introduce gradually. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Open animal page
HamsterRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seed pods, Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seed pods, Old, woody leaves
Overconsumption, Sensitivity to pungent compounds, Feeding of seeds or old leaves
Gastrointestinal upset, Bloating, Diarrhea
observe
Garden radish is suitable for hamsters in small amounts as a treat. The root tuber, young leaves, and flowers are generally safe, while seeds and old leaves should be avoided due to higher glucosinolate concentrations. Overconsumption may cause stomach irritation. Not suitable as a main feed. Observation recommended if symptoms occur. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Open animal page
BudgieRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seed pods, Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seed pods, Old, woody leaves
Excessive consumption, Sensitivity to pungent compounds
Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting
observe
Garden radish is suitable for budgies in small amounts as an occasional treat. The root tuber, young leaves, and flowers can be fed, but seed pods and old, woody leaves should be avoided due to potential irritation. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Observation is recommended if symptoms occur. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.
Open animal pageFarm animals
HorseRoot tuber, Young leaves
Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Old, woody leaves
Excessive consumption, Old, fibrous leaves
Stomach irritation from overconsumption
observe
Garden radish is suitable for horses in small amounts as a treat. The root tuber, young leaves, and flowers are edible and nutritious. Old, woody leaves may be difficult to digest and can cause stomach irritation. Not suitable as primary feed. Monitor for overconsumption and contact vet if symptoms persist.
Open animal page
ChickenRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
High glucosinolate content in seeds, Woody foliage, Overfeeding
Gastrointestinal irritation, Diarrhea from overfeeding
observe
Garden radish is suitable for chickens in small amounts as a treat. The root tuber, young leaves, and flowers are safe. Seeds and old, woody leaves contain higher concentrations of glucosinolates and should be avoided. Overfeeding may cause gastrointestinal upset. Not suitable as a primary feed.
Open animal page
DuckRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Excessive seed consumption, Consumption of old leaves
Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
observe
Garden radish is suitable for ducks in small amounts as a treat. The root tuber, young leaves, and flowers are edible and nutritious. Seeds and old leaves contain higher concentrations of glucosinolates, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if consumed excessively. Do not use as primary feed. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Open animal page
GooseRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seed pods
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seed pods
Excessive seed consumption, Sensitivity to pungent compounds
Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
observe
Garden radish is safe for geese in small amounts, particularly the root tuber and young leaves. Seeds contain glucosinolates that can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed excessively. Young leaves and flowers are harmless and readily eaten. Old, woody leaves should be avoided due to lower digestibility. If signs of digestive upset occur, feeding should be discontinued and a veterinarian consulted.
Open animal page
SheepRoot tuber, Young leaves
Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Old, woody leaves
High consumption
Stomach irritation
contact a vet if symptoms appear
Radish is generally safe for sheep, but high consumption can cause stomach irritation.
Open animal page
GoatRoot tuber, Young leaves
Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Old, woody leaves
High consumption
Stomach irritation
contact a vet if symptoms appear
No direct species-specific source was found for goats. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks.
Open animal page
CattleRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Excessive consumption, Feeding seeds, Use of old, fibrous foliage
Gastrointestinal irritation, Bloating, Diarrhea from overfeeding
observe
Garden radish is generally safe for cattle when feeding the root tuber, young leaves, or flowers. Seeds and old, woody leaves contain higher concentrations of glucosinolates and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed excessively. Suitable as part of a varied diet in moderation. Consult a veterinarian if signs of discomfort appear.
Open animal page
PigRoot tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
Root tuber, Young leaves
Seeds, Old, woody leaves
High consumption, Sensitivity to mustard oils
Gastrointestinal upset, Mucous membrane irritation
observe
Radish is suitable for pigs in moderation. The root tuber, young leaves, and flowers can be fed, but seeds and old, woody leaves should be avoided due to potential stomach irritation. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms occur.
Open animal pageThese guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.
Max risk
unknown
Highest status
moderation only
Urgency
contact a vet if symptoms appear
Saving seed
Radish Saving seed
Seed viability
3 - 5 years
Practical tips
Radish Practical tips
Common beginner mistakes
Sowing too densely without thinning later results in puny roots.
Success pattern
Regular watering and the use of fleece in spring almost always guarantee a good harvest.
High-impact tips
Apply crop protection netting immediately after sowing.
Grower observations
Especially in midsummer, radishes tend to bolt extremely quickly; shadier spots are worth their weight in gold then.
Plant Profile
Additional plant images
Health
Pests, Diseases
Pests
Cabbage root fly
Maggot tunnels in the root, stunted growth.
Flea beetles
Sieve-like holes in leaves.
Diseases
Clubroot
Galls on roots, wilting.
Downy mildew
Yellow spots on leaf top, grey coating underneath.
Deficiencies
Boron deficiency
Glassy spots in flesh, heart rot.
Plant health
Diagnosis help
Radish Diagnosis help
Pest groups
Disease groups
Prevention
Diagnosis
In case of wilting, always check the roots first for feeding marks or galls.
Cultural prevention
Monitoring
Yellow traps to monitor cabbage fly flight
First response
Dusting with rock dust against flea beetles
Diagnostic rules
Leaves have small holes
Possible causes: Flea beetles
- Check soil moisture
- Search undersides of leaves
FAQ
Why is my radish so spicy?
Pungency often results from water stress or harvesting too late. Regular watering mellows the flavor.
What helps against maggots in radishes?
Fine-mesh crop protection nets prevent the cabbage root fly from laying its eggs.
Is Radish safe for Dog?
Radish is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: usually no action needed. Garden radish is safe for dogs in normal amounts. The root tuber, young leaves, seed pods, and flowers can be given as occasional treats. Overconsumption may cause stomach irritation. Old, woody leaves should be avoided as they are difficult to digest.
Is Radish safe for Cat?
Radish is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. The root tuber of radish is safe for cats in small amounts, while leaves, seeds, and flowers may cause gastrointestinal irritation due to glucosinolates. If large amounts are consumed or symptoms occur, consult a veterinarian.
Is Radish safe for Rabbit?
Radish is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Garden radish is safe for rabbits in small amounts, with the root tuber, young leaves, and flowers being suitable for feeding. Seeds and old, woody leaves should be avoided due to higher glucosinolate concentrations. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Introduction should be gradual and in moderation.
Is Radish safe for Guinea pig?
Radish is classified as moderation only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Garden radish is suitable for guinea pigs in small amounts as an occasional treat. The root tuber, young leaves, and flowers are safe and provide vitamin C and fiber. Seeds and old, woody leaves contain higher concentrations of glucosinolates and may cause gastrointestinal irritation if overfed. Introduce gradually. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Guides
Related guides
Guide
Rabbits in the Garden: Herbs and Vegetables
Learn how to choose suitable herbs and vegetables for rabbits, grow feeding plants, and plan a rabbit-friendly garden.
Guide
Chickens in the Garden: Safe Plants and Zones
Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
Guide
Dogs in the Garden: Windfall Fruit and Risks
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Horse Pastures and Garden Plants: Safety Checks
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Internal links
Related plants
Cabbage
May turnip
kohlrabi
Both susceptible to clubroot and cabbage root fly.
Spinach
Lettuce
Turnip
Similar cultivation requirements and root shape.
Cabbage
Both are brassicas with the same crop rotation rules.
Horseradish
Also used as a pungent root condiment.
Lilac Bonnet
Mushroom with radish-like smell, but inedible/poisonous.
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-15
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-15
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Garten-Rettich
Wikipedia · 2026-05-15
- English Wikipedia: Radish
Wikipedia · 2026-05-15