Radish 40 days

Production Technology

Season: RABI, Mid-September to October

General Information:
Radish, a root vegetable from the "Cruciferae" family, is widely cultivated for its edible roots, which come in various colors such as white and red. It thrives in most regions of Pakistan, with major production areas including Hafizabad, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Sahiwal. Radishes are a rich source of Vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium.

Climate:

Temperature: 18-25°C

Rainfall: 100-225mm

Sowing Temperature: 20-25°C

Harvesting Temperature: 18-20°C

Soil:
Radishes can be grown in a wide range of soils, but they perform best in light, sandy loam. Heavy or compact soils should be avoided, as they can result in rough, poor-quality roots. The ideal soil pH for optimal growth is between 5.5 and 6.8.

Land Preparation:
The land should be thoroughly ploughed and cleared of weeds. Well-decomposed cow dung should be mixed into the soil at the time of land preparation. Avoid using undecomposed cow dung, as it can cause the roots to fork.

Sowing:

Sowing Time: During the RABI season, typically from mid-September to October.

Spacing: Maintain a row-to-row spacing of 45 cm and plant-to-plant spacing of 7.5 cm.

Sowing Methods: You can either use line sowing or broadcasting methods.

Seed Rate: Approximately 4-5 kg of seeds are needed for one acre of land. Sowing should be done on ridges to ensure proper root development.

Fertilizer:
In addition to well-decomposed cow dung, apply the following fertilizers during sowing:

Urea: 25 kg/acre

DAP (Diammonium Phosphate): 50 kg/acre

SOP (Sulphate of Potash): 25 kg/acre

Potash is especially beneficial for root development and increasing yields.

Irrigation:
After sowing, the first irrigation should be applied to ensure full germination. Depending on the soil type and climatic conditions, subsequent irrigations should be spaced 6-7 days apart in summer and 10-12 days in winter. Radishes generally require 5-6 irrigations. Avoid over-irrigating, as this can lead to deformed roots and limited root hair development. A light pre-harvest irrigation in summer helps maintain freshness and reduces pungency.

Harvesting:
Radishes are ready for harvesting anywhere between 40 to 75 days after sowing, depending on the variety. Harvesting is done manually by uprooting the plants. The roots are then washed and sorted by size.