Growing radishes in film cans
(from Osmosis 7, Autumn 1994)

Student Instructions        Notes for teachers

Read these instructions through carefully before you start.

3. Add more growing mix. Sow 2 or 3 radish seeds and lightly cover with growing mix.

6. After 16 - 20 days harvest your radishes.

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Notes for Teachers

Investigations with the common or garden radish, Raphanus sativus

• Packets of radish seed are inexpensive and widely available. Several different varieties are sold, so comparisons can be made between them.
• Radishes grow well in film cans on capillary matting under a light-bank.
• The nutrient regime can easily be controlled.
• The plants are small and compact - many can be grown in a small space.
• After 2 - 3 weeks there is a recognisable crop.
• The crop can be measured in a variety of different ways.
• In a given packet, the seed will be genetically uniform.
• Differences between experimental and control groups are likely to be due to differences in growing conditions.
• Radish seedlings show epigeal germination.
• The photosynthetic cotyledons can be compared with the first true leaves.
• The radish hypocotyl is useful experimental material for tropisms.

References

• Hewitson, J. and Price, R. "Plant mineral nutrition in the classroom: the radish Raphanus sativus is a good plant for such studies", School Science Review, September 1974 76 (274) pp 45 - 55.
• See also Student Sheets 7 and 8 for simple techniques for studying gravitropism (geotropism) and phototropism in seedlings.

Acknowledgements

With acknowledgements and thanks to Dr John Hewitson, Oundle School, Peterborough.