Whether you like your radishes to be sliced thinly in your salads, mooli ka achar that’s pickled to perfection, or incorporated into warm and comforting dishes, radishes add a unique flavour and crunch to our winter meals.

Not only that, but different varieties of radish is also are very popular to grow as microgreens since they are the most easy-to-grow and flavourful microgreens.

On that delicious note, let’s explore various radish varieties that thrive during the cold season and even provide you with some tips on growing radishes in pots or containers. So, let's dive right into the world of radishes!

Winter Radish Varieties by AllThatGrows

We have witnessed the consistent love shown by Indian gardeners to these varieties of radishes, winter after winter. Here are some types you can add to your kitchen garden this cold winter season.

1. Radish Red Round

This classic red radish is a fast grower and a favourite in many Indian homes. Its vibrant red colour and crisp texture make it perfect for salads and garnishes. They have a sharp and peppery flavour that suits both raw and cooked recipes equally. This radish is relatively easier to grow and has a shorter cultivation time. Slice it thinly and toss it with a sprinkle of salt, and you have a quick and healthy snack.

Order Radish Red Round Seeds for sowing now!

2. Radish Full Red

Similar to the Red Round variety, the Full Red radish boasts a deep red colour and a slightly spicier flavour. It's an ideal choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dishes. Try grating it into a fresh coleslaw for an extra kick.

Shop Radish Full Red Seeds for your home garden.

3. Radish Half-Red

As the name suggests, this radish variety features a unique half-red, half-white appearance. While the upper portion of this radish is pinkish-red, the lower half portion is white. It's milder in flavour compared to its fully red counterparts, making it an excellent choice for pickling. Half Red radishes add a delightful pop of colour to your pickling jars.

Click to shop the radish half-red seeds for your kitchen garden.

4. Radish White Long

These elongated white radishes are a favourite in winter recipes like mooli paratha and radish curry. They have a mild, slightly sweet taste and a crunchy texture that complements various dishes.

Order this staple radish white long seeds to sow this winter season.

5. Radish White Short

Similar in flavour to the White Long radish, these short and stubby varieties are perfect for growing in containers. Their compact size makes them an excellent choice for limited gardening space.

Ideal for growing in a container, radish short seeds will make sure you do not miss out on this delicious vegetable this winter season.

6. Radish Pink

Radish pink has a neutral and mildly sweet flavour and taste which is why it is quite popular in salads and coleslaws. This variety of radishes can be sliced, grated for salads, as filling, used in soups and snacks etc. This variety of radish can also be used as a palette cleanser.

Grow your own patch of radish-pink seeds this growing season.

7. Radish Purple Sango Microgreens

If you're looking to add a dash of colour to your salads and dishes, the Purple Sango radish microgreens are a fantastic choice. Its striking purple skin and crisp, white flesh make it a visual delight on your plate.

Radish purple sango microgreen seeds are the most popular variety to sow for flavours, visual appeal and nutrition. Order today.

8. Radish China Rose

Radish China Rose is a traditional variety that produces long radishes with a rose pink colour. Their mild and slightly sweet flavour makes them a perfect addition to winter salads and slaws. The leaves of this radish variety are also edible in salads and sabzi.

Delightful Radish Recipes from India

Before we move on to growing tips, let's indulge in a couple of delightful Indian radish recipes:

1. Mooli Paratha: Grated white long radishes mixed with spices and stuffed inside whole wheat dough make for delicious and nutritious parathas. Serve them hot with a dollop of yoghurt or pickle for a satisfying winter breakfast.

2. Mooli ka Saag: The bright green radish leaves (mooli ke patte) have a special place in winter kitchens across India. The slowly stewed radish leaves with aromatic spices to create a comforting and hearty dish. Pair it with hot rotis and butter for a wholesome meal.

3. Mullangi Pachadi (Radish Chutney): Prepared as a side dish side, this Andhra-style chutney goes exceptionally well with idli, dosa, upma or plain simple roti. Made with white radishes, lentils, chillies, tamarind, mustard seeds, hing and curry leaves, this chutney can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Quick Tips for Growing Radishes in Pots or Containers

Now that we've explored the delectable world of radish varieties and enjoyed some radish recipes, let's move on to the essential tips for growing radishes in pots or containers:

1. Choose the Right Container: Opt for pots or containers that are at least 10 to 12 inches deep to allow radish roots to grow freely.
2. Quality Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix with added organic matter for optimal growth.
3. Sow Seeds Shallow: Plant radish seeds about ¼ inch deep in the soil since they are quite small and might have trouble germinating in case they are buried too deep.
4. Adequate Spacing: Leave at least 3-4 inches between each radish seed when sowing.
5. Water Consistently: Radishes require consistent moisture, so water them regularly, but avoid water logging.
6. Full Sunlight: Place your containers in an area that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for better taproot formation. 
7. Thin Seedlings: Once they sprout, thin out radish seedlings to maintain proper spacing and prevent overcrowding. The ideal distance between two radish plants must be 4-5 inches. 
8. Mulch for Moisture: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
9. Fertilize Sparingly: Radishes are light feeders, so a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like well-aged compost can be applied sparingly.
10. Harvest Promptly: Harvest radishes as soon as they reach maturity to ensure the best flavour and texture. Most of the radish varieties mentioned above will get ready for harvest within 45 to 50 days after germinating.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to have a successful radish-growing journey in your pots or containers at home. Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own radishes and savour the flavours of winter in your homemade Indian dishes. Happy gardening and happy eating!