Direct sow as soon as soil can be prepared in spring. Sow every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. For fall harvest, transplant 9 weeks before first frost, without additional protection. In a hoophouse, you can plant 2-3 weeks later. Thin to 2-6” apart. Planted too densely or in heavy clay loam soils can cause branching of the roots. Can be grown all season but perform best in cool fall conditions. Frost tolerant, if well mulched in moderate climates can be left in the ground. Good winter storage crop, store at 33˚F. Best eaten when young and tender, 2–3” diameter. Row covers can minimize flea beetles and root maggots. Crops late-summer planted and over wintered will produce significantly higher seed yields. Soil pH 5.6-7.5. Hardiness zones 4-9. Biennial.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 9,000 seeds per ounce. Average 131M seeds per acre. Federal germination standard: 75%. Usual seed life: 3–5 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 1 mile.
Planting Depth
1/4”Soil Temp. Germ.
80–90˚FDays to Germ.
4-7˚FPlant Spacing
3–6”Row Spacing
12-18”Days To Maturity
60–90Full Sun,
Moist Well Drained