To eat or not to eat, that is the question. Most of us are conditioned to believe that the fruits and vegetables’ seeds only hold value once you plant them. But what if this is not entirely true? If the seed helps grow an entire plant, imagine the benefits it harnesses within!

A similar logic applies to radish seeds. If they can help grow arguably one of the most nutritious vegetables, why not consume them directly?

Full of fiber, nutrients, and immunity-boosting properties, radish seeds harness a plethora of health benefits. Deemed as the answer to fixing vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium deficiency, these seeds have found their way into the modern kitchen today.

Toast to use them in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, add in smoothies or use them to grow the ever-so-nutritious radish seed pods; these multi-beneficial seeds are a ‘must include’ in your daily diet.

Can You Radish Seeds?

Radish seeds are very delicious. Adding them to salads gives it a crunch with a spicy taste. Apart from using the seed extract, they can be eaten as sprouts too.

There are several other benefits these seeds have:

They help cure indigestion.
They help decrease fatigue and build overall wellness.
They help tackle health issues such as migraines, headaches, sore throats, and congestion.
They boost blood flow and help with kidney function.
Radish seed extract helps fix cracked and dry skin.

There are some other benefits radish seeds have which, we believe, need greater attention.

Blood Pressure Control

As great carriers of potassium, radish seeds help dilate blood vessels, which betters the blood flow. The process helps control and manage high blood pressure.

Aids Digestion

Radishes contain high-fiber. It helps release more digested fiber in the body that helps the digestive system, helps with constipation, and eases painful bowel movements.

Prevention Against Cancer

Radish seeds are a source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and folic acid. These three elements combined help fight against cervical, liver, stomach, and gut cancer.

Help With Diabetes

Radish seeds affect the level of blood sugar absorption. This property is helpful for patients with diabetes.

Skin Care

Radish seeds contain vitamins B and C, antioxidants, and minerals. These elements help relieve dry skin, blemishes, wrinkles, and age spots.

Treat Kidney Stones

The seeds contain diuretic properties and aid against kidney stones by breaking down clumps and hardened stones.

Since these seeds have several benefits, one might be intrigued, and rightly so, to find ways to use them efficiently. Here are some of the ways to use them.

How to Use Radish Seeds

To Grow Radishes. It is the easiest, the most obvious way to use the seeds. Sprinkle the seeds in your garden or plant them in a pot/container to grow radishes.

In Meals. Toast radish seeds and toss them into salads, sandwiches, or any other meal. It is the best way to reap the benefits of the seeds directly.

Radish Pods. Radish seed pods are the healthiest option on the table. From their numerous health benefits to various dishes to make using these, they are arguably the best way to consume radish seeds.

While radish seeds are healthy and great for the body, they may not find their place as an ingredient in several kitchens. Traditionally, seeds are usually known to hold life inside them. So the idea is to plant, grow, and then consume. In such a scenario, one might want to understand the root’s growing time from the seed.

How Long Do Radishes Take to Grow From the Seed?

It is common knowledge that radishes grow quickly and require fewer nutrients from the soil to do so. Having said that, it depends on the type of radish one chooses to grow.

The most common type, such as cherry belle radishes, don’t take over a month to grow. This is true for most summer radishes. Sprinkle the radish seeds on the furrow, cover them with soil, and water them regularly. With ample sunlight, water, and care, radishes will be ready for harvest within a month or a little over sometimes.

This is not the case with most winter radishes. Daikon is considered to be the king of winter radishes. Given that it grows at a length of up to 15 inches sometimes, it takes about 60-65 days to be ready for harvest. This holds for other heirloom daikon varieties, such as the watermelon radish.

While this is the growing time analysis of the radishes, their harvest time could differ. This is a personal choice, essentially. For example, if one likes the daikon’s subtle sweetness more than its hot flavor, it may be ideal for harvesting them between 55-60 days. But for those who like their radishes hot, harvest them between 60-65 days. This is especially true for the watermelon radish variety. The more you leave them in the ground, the more their pungent flavor develops. The key is to know the harvest time and not jump it. Whatever the case, do not leave the radishes in the ground beyond 65 days; otherwise, they will discolor and develop a woody taste.

Another common line of questioning for radishes is about their growing time. If one is new to gardening, the radishes’ quick germination time may take one by a pleasant surprise. However, this could also lead one to believe that all vegetables germinate quickly from their seeds. Naturally, this isn’t the case.

Why Do Radish Seeds Germinate Quickly?

While there could be a scientific reason or something in the universe of horticulture that may answer this question using facts and data, there isn’t a general explanation for the common man. Nevertheless, we are making some calculated guesses on why radish seeds germinate sooner.

Radishes are hot. This is their nature. No matter which part of the season they thrive in, the vegetable is usually considered hot. Given this characteristic, it is logical to presume that the seeds germinate faster, given the heat.

Limited Needs. Radishes are known as “a vegetable for a child’s garden.” Since the seeds germinate quickly, it keeps up with the patience level and the attention span of a child. This is because, unlike other vegetables, radishes have limited needs. The soil needs to be rock-free and carry a moderate level of nutrients. All they need is regular water and ample sunlight to bloom. This makes them fuss-free. Sprinkle the seeds on a decent patch of soil, and the seeds will germinate.

While radish seeds germinate quickly and are easy to grow, it doesn’t guarantee the same each time. Here are some of the pressure points with the seeds germinating faster:

The seeds may germinate and die under the scorching heat.
If the seeds are planted too close to each other, they germinate but do not bulb.
Often, rocks in the soil interfere with the growth of the radishes after seed germination. This stunts their growth.
Bad quality of the soil results in a “lesser root and more leaves” kind of radishes.
Quick germination requires regular watering, especially during the beginning; any lethargy in the process results in instant death.
Pests and slugs could attack the root causing it to split and start rotting. Radishes have their own set of problems; however limited they may be.
Only certain types of radish seeds will germinate in spring. If one chooses to plant winter radishes in spring, it is not going to sit well.

As discussed, it is easy to help a radish seed germinate. It requires little to no effort. But, quick germination is not the answer to a good harvest. Challenges usually begin a week after the germination.

Independent of some of the challenges radishes may pose, one cannot argue that they are an easy crop to harvest. This is above and beyond the numerous benefits they have. But while it is this easy to grow and harvest radishes, are radish seeds easy on one’s pocket?

How Much Do Radish Seeds Cost?

Some factors drive the cost of radish seeds in the market. While one moves on to these factors, let’s begin by looking at the places to buy the seeds from.

Buying Online. This is the easiest, most convenient option. One can order a packet of seeds online after looking at the brands and what they have to offer. The only catch to this may be that certain varieties may not be available, and one cannot truly ascertain the quality of the seeds (unless it is a popular brand). Moreover, there is a possibility of paying more for the seeds, no matter the discount.

Buying from a Nursery. This is the safest option. Reach out to your local nursery and enquire about the seeds. You can look at the seeds before buying them. Furthermore, all those time tested tips and tricks on gardening will be free!

Buying from Malls. Several food sections at malls sell seeds for gardening. While these could be slightly on the expensive side, one can be almost sure of the quality compared to the humble nursery. Also, if you are looking for a certain type of radish seed, they can help you source it.

Buying from Organic Stores. These could be at an expensive end, but it leaves you in peace about the product’s quality. While nurseries also sell organic seeds at competent rates, buying seeds from organic stores is solely a matter of choice.

Now that most of the options to buy radish seeds have been discussed, we can move on to look at some of the rates these seeds have.

Radish Seeds	Variety	Cost Price (per package)
Open Pollinated	Easter Egg	$2.95-$3.15
Heirloom	Cherry Belle	$4.50-$5.00
Heirloom	Watermelon	$3.50-$4.50
Open Pollinated	Purple Plum	$4.50-$5.50
Heirloom	German Giant	$3.00-$4.00
Heirloom	Champion	$3.25-$4.00
Heirloom	Japanese Minowese Daikon	$3.00-$4.00
Heirloom/Organic	Japanese Minowese Daikon	$5.40-$7.00
Open Pollinated	Comet	$2.95-$3.00
Heirloom/ Open Pollinated	Crimson Globe	$2.95-$3.15
Heirloom/Open Pollinated	French Breakfast	$3.15-$3.50
Heirloom/Organic	French Breakfast	$4.50-$6.50
Heirloom/Open Pollinated	White Icicle	$2.95-$3.15
Heirloom/Open Pollinated	Sparkler White Tip	$2.95-$3.50
Open Pollinated	Black Spanish Round	$2.95-$3.15
Open Pollinated	Red Arrow (Sprouting)	$2.95-$3.50

*All varieties sourced from here.

*Prices are approximate

Like the rates of any other produce, organic radish seeds will burn a slightly larger hole in your pocket than the regular variety. While the chart represents approximate prices, some of these varieties are truly rare. One must keep the possibility of the cost of sourcing and transporting these rare varieties in mind. It may lead to further expense.

Another option is to go for open-pollinated seeds. These seem to be marginally cheaper as compared to the others. Also, they are quick to grow.

The last point to note is regarding the heirloom variety. The reasonable cost of the seeds can truly tempt anyone to buy and plant them right away. But before you do so, make a thorough study of the kind of soil, manure, water, and sunlight they require. Each heirloom radish variety is different from the other and must be treated that way.

Before You Buy Radish Seeds

Here are some of the final points to note before buying radish seeds:

How do you plan to consume them? Do you wish to eat them directly or use them to grow radishes?
While radish seeds are healthy in general, some are better suited for direct consumption than others. Choose wisely.
Make a thorough study of the type of radish you wish to grow before buying the seeds from the market.
Explore recipes using radish seeds and pods to bring variety and health to your cuisine.
Radish seeds are easy to store. Place them in a cool and dry place, and they will stay intact.

At the end of the day, it isn’t just about consuming radishes but also about exploring options within this cruciferous vegetable to reek maximum benefits. Consuming radish seeds is the first step towards that promise.