🌱 How to Grow Radish Golden (Pusa Chatki) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: मूली (Pusa Chatki)

• Tamil: முள்ளங்கி

• Telugu: ముల్లంగి

• Malayalam: മുള്ളங்கி

• Kannada: ಮೂಲಂಗಿ

• English: Radish (Golden / Pusa Chatki variety)

• Botanical name: Raphanus sativus

1. Choose the Right Season

• Cool-season root crop

• Best time to sow:

  • October to February

  • In cooler hills: Also sown in summer

• Ideal temperature: 10°C to 25°C

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, sandy loam, well-drained

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Avoid stony or compact soil — can deform roots

• Mix in well-rotted compost or manure before sowing

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow seeds ½ inch (1.2 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • Garden: 2–3 inches apart in rows spaced 8–12 inches

  • Pots: Use 10–12 inch deep containers, scatter seeds, thin to 1 every 2–3 inches

• Water lightly after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during root formation

• Water every 1–2 days, or when topsoil begins to dry

• Avoid overwatering — too much moisture may cause root rot

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 3–7 days

• Thin seedlings after sprouting to give space for root growth

• Keep area weed-free to reduce competition

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 4–6 hours of sunlight daily

• Prefers cool weather — roots grow faster and stay tender

• In hot climates, partial shade helps prevent premature bolting

7. Fertilization

• Not heavy feeders

• Mix in compost every 3–4 weeks if needed

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers — can lead to leafy growth with poor roots

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, root maggots, flea beetles

• Use neem oil + mild soap spray every 10–15 days

• Practice crop rotation and good hygiene in the garden

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 35–45 days

• Harvest when roots are 4–6 inches long, smooth, and golden

• Don’t delay — overgrown radish becomes fibrous and bitter

10. Regrow Tip

• Leave 1–2 roots in the soil to flower and set seeds

• Collect seeds once pods dry and turn brown

• Store in a dry, cool place for next season planting

🥗 Health Benefits of Radish (Golden / Pusa Chatki)

• Aids digestion and detoxification

• Rich in Vitamin C, fiber, potassium

• Helps in liver health, hydration, and weight loss

• Antioxidants support immune function and skin health