How to Grow Radish Sprouts

Learning how to grow radish sprouts is quick and easy! You’ll find everything you need to know about them, their benefits, how to use them, and most importantly, how to grow them on your own here!

What are Radish Sprouts?

Radish sprouts are what we call the young shoots of radish seeds, which are usually harvested a few days after germination. They’re a member of the mustard family and are fast growing.

These sprouts taste like full-grown radishes — crisp, hot, and peppery. Their flavor profile makes them a great addition to sandwiches, salads, and other dishes that need a kick. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked, though their flavor tends to be stronger when eaten raw.  

If you’re fond of radishes, then radish sprouts are something you need to try!   

Types of Radish Sprouts

While there are various types of radish sprouts, the most common and popular are the following:

Daikon radish sprouts (Kaiware) - These are small, with thin pale stems and capped with dark green leaves. They were first cultivated in Japan and are well-known for their grassy, peppery, and semi-sweet flavors. These are commonly used in sushi and other Asian-inspired dishes. 

Red radish sprouts - These microgreens have white roots, pinkish stems, and a mixture of green and pink leaves. Red radish sprouts pack a bit of heat, almost like wasabi. They’re great for spicing up salads and sandwiches.

Sango radish sprouts - These have pinkish to purple stems with purple and reddish leaves. Like their red counterparts, sango radish sprouts have a very sharp, peppery flavor, giving various dishes a bit of kick and a ton of color.   

Benefits of Radish Sprouts

Radish sprouts can benefit you in various ways! 

They’re low in calories but could be considered a nutrient powerhouse, with high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, calcium, copper, and folate. Additionally, they contain fiber and essential amino acids, so you’ll get a boost of nutrients when you add them to meals.  

Additionally, growing sprouts and microgreens requires minimal effort, the sprouting process is quick, and you can even do it indoors. If you decide to grow your own sprouts at home, you’re assured of a regular harvest!

How to Grow Radish Sprouts

1. Begin by placing two tablespoons of daikon radish sprouting seeds into the glass jar and covering them with the water. Then, either loosely screw on the lid or put a cheesecloth over the top of the jar and secure it with a rubber band. Leave them to soak for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Once the seeds are soaked, drain them on the sink and return them to the jar.
3. Next, cover the jar. You can use either the cheesecloth method or a mesh sprouting lid. Then, place the jar on a sprouting stand or simply lay it on its side, depending on your personal preference.
4. Rinse and drain the sprouting seeds daily for 2-3 days, or until the sprouts grow to your preferred size. Personally, I find that three days works perfectly!

Sprouting Equipment 

You don’t need a ton of equipment to start growing radish sprouts! You only need the following:

• Jar - Thick jars of at least 16oz and up would work. Personally, I like these 32-ounce ones with lids!
• Cheesecloth and rubber band - These let air get into the radish seeds, allowing them to sprout. They’re good to use if you’re only growing sprouts occasionally. 
• Lids and stands - Having these lids and stands will make your life easier, especially if you’ve decided to grow radish sprouts regularly!

How to Use Radish Sprouts 

These are so easy to incorporate into various dishes that could benefit from their crunchy texture and slightly spicy taste! Here are some of my favorites:

• Tossed into green salads with a quinoa or kale base and delicious dressings. 
• Layered into vegan sandwiches, vegetarian burgers, or wraps. 
• Blended into green smoothies for a fresh taste and nutrient boost. 
• As a topping on avocado toast or grain bowls.
• Stir-fried with other veggies and served as a side dish. 

Storing Radish Sprouts 

After harvesting, you can store them in a breathable container in the refrigerator. Placing them in a container that allows some airflow can prevent moisture buildup, which may later lead to spoilage. Stored properly, radish sprouts can last for a few weeks. 

Also, before storing them, ensure they are very dry, as any excess water or moisture may promote mold growth. So, if you rinse them, also drain and blot them gently with a paper towel before storing them in the refrigerator.   

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