Radish — a popular spring vegetable that can be grown under greenhouse conditions year-round, yielding several harvests per season. This cold-hardy plant from the cabbage family has a short vegetative period, capable of germinating at temperatures from +2…+5 °C and withstanding frosts down to -5…-6 °C. The optimal temperature range for its growth and root formation is from +10 to +20 °C. However, prolonged cooling or excessive heat negatively affect radish development, causing growth delays and premature flowering.
Radish belongs to long-day crops requiring intense lighting of no less than 10-12 hours per day. Under an excessively long day length, the plant quickly transitions to the flowering and seed formation phase, reducing the quality of the roots. To obtain large and juicy roots, it is recommended to create conditions with a shortened day length, for example, through shading or additional artificial lighting with fluorescent lamps.
The most important factor in successfully growing radish is the correct soil moisture regime. Lack of moisture leads to root deformation, bitterness, and corkiness of the skin, while excess moisture promotes disease development and flesh cracking. Irregular and excessive watering also negatively affects crop quality. Growing radish in a greenhouse requires loose, well-moistened soil, as well as maintaining temperature and lighting within optimal limits.
