Radish Microgreens in a Hydroponic System

Description

Radish microgreens are the young seedlings of Raphanus sativus, harvested just after the cotyledon leaves develop. They offer a vibrant, peppery flavor and pack high levels of vitamins and phytonutrients in a tiny package [8].

Common & Alternative Names

Radish microgreens
Raphanus microgreens
Champion radish microgreens
Raphanus sativus microgreens (Latin)

Popular Varieties

Champion Radish (Raphanus sativus var. radicula)
Daikon Radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus)
Easter Egg Radish (Raphanus sativus var. sativus)

Positive Identification

Heart-shaped cotyledons, ~5-10 mm wide [8]
Bright red or purple stems with green cotyledons
Pungent, peppery aroma when leaves are lightly crushed

Toxic Look-Alikes

Deadly nightshade seedlings (Atropa belladonna) - dark stems, oval cotyledons
Jimsonweed sprouts (Datura stramonium) - similar leaf shape but milky sap
Other Solanaceae microgreens (e.g. tomato, eggplant) which can be toxic to some individuals [7]

Plant Parts & Uses

Part	Common Uses
Cotyledons (leaves)	Salads, sandwiches, garnishes
Stems	Flavor enhancer in soups, juices
Seed hulls	Usually discarded after harvest

Optimal Growing Parameters

Field	Range	Optimal for Highest Yield
EC (mS/cm)	1.6 - 2.2	1.8
pH	6.0 - 7.0	6.5
TDS (ppm)	800 - 1,100	900
Temperature (°C)	18 - 24	20
Hours of Light	12 - 16 h/day	14 h/day
Seasons to Plant	Year-round	Cool seasons (spring/autumn)
Seasons to Produce	Year-round	All seasons under controlled environment
Grow Light Wattage	20 - 40 W per tray	30 W per 10×10″ tray

Propagation Methods

Broadcast seeding on coco coir or hemp mats [4]
Direct sowing into NFT or DWC net cups
Seeding on rockwool or foam pads in ebb & flow trays

System Compatibility

System	Compatibility
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)	Excellent [6]
Deep Water Culture (DWC)	Good
Ebb & Flow	Moderate
Aeroponics	Excellent

Common Pests

Fungus gnats (larvae feed on roots) [5]
Aphids (sap-sucking insects)
Whiteflies (can spread disease)

Citations

[1] Hydroponic pH and EC values for radish - https://www.her86m2.com/green-living/best-ph-and-ec-values-for-your-hydroponic-nutrient-solution
[2] A Comprehensive Guide to Microgreens Lighting Requirements - https://microgreensworld.com/comprehensive-guide-to-microgreens-lighting-requirements/
[3] A Comprehensive Guide to 70 Microgreens Varieties - https://mpseeds.eu/guide-to-all-microgreens-varieties-table
[4] How to Grow Microgreens Hydroponically - https://www.freightfarms.com/blog/how-to-maximize-your-nursery-station-with-microgreens
[5] Pests : r/microgreens - https://www.reddit.com/r/microgreens/comments/gf8zr0/pests/
[6] Ultimate Guide to Growing Hydroponic Black Radish - https://risegardens.com/blogs/communitygarden/growing-hydroponic-black-radish-s25
[7] For a winter gardening project with a gourmet touch, try growing microgreens - https://apnews.com/article/48dc104f4b41dc92833b2340bdebf536
[8] Radish Microgreens: The Superfood Chefs and Health Enthusiasts - https://microgreensworld.com/radish-microgreens-nutrition/
[9] How to Plant and Grow Radishes - https://www.bhg.com/how-to-plant-and-grow-radishes-8404047