Skip to product information
1 of 1
Hudson Valley Seed Co.

Tillage Radish Cover Crop

Raphanus sativus

Certified Organic

Add tilth without tillage!

Tillage radish is the perfect crop for breaking up hardpan soils or improving tilth in workable but heavy clays. It is similar to a daikon radish, with big, strong roots that plunge deep into the soil. Sown in late summer, these roots carve deep channels into the soil and are later winter killed, which turns the roots into mush as the soil thaws. After a few weeks, the root mush starts to dry up, leaving behind air channels that help establish deeper tilth and dramatically increases the surface area of the soil that is exposed to air, allowing the soil to dry out more quickly—especially helpful in wet springs.

Sow 4-8 weeks before first fall frost (Late August or early September in zones 5-7). Note that you'll want to avoid putting brassica crops directly into beds just occupied by tillage radish. Wait til later in the season or the following year.

1 ounce sows 125 square feet.

¼ pound sows 400 square feet.

½ pound, sows 800 square feet.

This seed product is not included in our free shipping offer.

Unit Price Quantity Availability
1 Ounce $5.39
In Stock
4 Ounces $7.79
In Stock
8 Ounces $16.79
In Stock

Price as selected: $0.00

Ships within 2-3 business days

Growing instructions
Sow in late summer or very early fall. Do not sow in spring, as radishes will form only small roots before bolting. Sow in rows about 12” apart with a seeder or in furrows made with a hoe—tillage radish is not well suited to broadcast sowing.
Product Details
Days to Maturity 70 days
Days to Germination 3 to 5 days
Width at Maturity 12 inches
Height at Maturity 18 inches
Sun Conditions Partial Sun (4-6 hours Sun), Full Sun (8+ Hours Sun)
Planting Depth 1/2"
Row Spacing 12 inches
Plant Spacing 3 inches
  • Hurry, only 20 items left in stock!
Tillage radish cover crop seed from Hudson Valley Seed Co., showing vibrant radish roots and green foliage in the field.
  • 5 stars: 9 (82%)
  • 4 stars: 2 (18%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
J
James G.

I purchased tillage radish seeds to improve the drainage in a new backyard vineyard I planted earlier this year in Michigan. I planted the radish seeds in mid August they grew quickly and reliably (picture was taken in late October). I’m very happy with their performance.

A
Abby

Put down in September and growing beautifully in Cleveland.

A
Anne W.

We recently planted the seeds and they have come up already. I need to thin them a bit.

W
William

Haven’t use it yet

k
k.m.

Great to break up clay soil

A
Andrea S.

The tillage radishes came up right away and are plowing through packed clay-y soil. So pleased with this cover crop!

J
Jane C.

Great germination and quick growing.

A
Annalee

I planted these probably late July-Sept (Minnesota) and they did great. Would definitely use these again!

J
John R.

So far, the tillage radishes planted in a couple of garden plots have overperformed Hudson Valley's posted expectations. That's a great way to do business! I was amazed when the seeds were sown with no cover and sprouted in two or three days. After roughly 6 weeks, the tops are about 1 foot tall. I haven't pulled any to see how long the root is, but I'm sure curious.

R
Roberta A.

Germination rate is very high.

M
Moira L.

I’m actually rating the selection and delivery, since I didn’t use the seeds yet! I was happy with the wide selection of seeds (and the beautiful packages!), and they arrived quickly. Can’t wait to plant them!