Troubleshooting
Radish problems — and how to fix them
Radish (Raphanus sativus) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
All leaves, no root
Too rich a soil, too much shade, or sown too close together.
Hot pithy roots
Left in the ground too long after maturing or grown in heat.
Cracked roots
Heavy rain after a dry spell.
Flea beetles
Small holes in leaves; row cover at sowing helps.
Prevent radish problems before they start
Most radish issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Radish problems — FAQ
Why is my radish all leaves, no root?
Too rich a soil, too much shade, or sown too close together.
Why is my radish hot pithy roots?
Left in the ground too long after maturing or grown in heat.
Why is my radish cracked roots?
Heavy rain after a dry spell.
Why is my radish flea beetles?
Small holes in leaves; row cover at sowing helps.