Quick & Easy
Radishes are a very quick crop to grow, typically ready to harvest four weeks or less after sowing. Since radishes grow under the soil, it can be difficult to know when to pull them. The "shoulders" of the radish will poke up above the soil line when they're ready to harvest. Gently push soil back to check the size of the radish; smaller varieties like Cherry Belle should be about an inch across (use the end of your thumb as a guide to measure), and larger varieties like Watermelon will be closer to 3 inches.
Grab & Go
To harvest radishes, gather the leaves from one plant and grab as close to the base as possible. Slowly but firmly begin pulling up and around in a circular motion to loosen any stubborn roots. Radishes planted in looser soil will come out much easier than those planted in heavier soils. If necessary, use a rounded garden trowel to help pop the radish out from underneath, being careful not to pierce the flesh.
Triple Threat
If left in the ground, radishes will 'bolt', or grow flowers (the root part of the radish will be too tough and woody to eat once bolted). They will grow to about 24" tall, with dozens of flowers per plant. The flowers are edible, and if left on the plant, they will turn into pods. The pods are also edible, tasting bright like a pea pod and with the spicy bite of a radish. The pods contain seeds that can be grown into more radishes. Leave them on the plant until dry (they'll feel completely weightless, almost like styrofoam), then break open and store in an airtight container until ready to plant.
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Read up on how to care for radishes here.
