Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small jumping beetles.
- Check if the spots are circular and have yellow rings.
- Look for signs of moisture sitting on the leaves.
Likely causes
Flea Beetles
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny, round holes that look like someone used a miniature hole puncher on the leaves. If you touch the plant, you might see small dark beetles jump away.
What to do: Cover your radishes with a lightweight floating row cover to physically block the beetles. You can also dust the leaves with a light coating of diatomaceous earth to deter them.
Fungal Leaf Spot
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for radishes, but usually caused by overhead watering that keeps foliage wet for too long. Look for circular brown or black spots with yellow halos on the leaves.
What to do: Water only at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry. Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread and improve airflow around the plants.
Find out what's wrong with your radish
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is serious if the holes cover more than half the leaf surface, as this stunts growth. A few small holes are normal and usually will not kill the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Use row covers from the day you plant your seeds to keep beetles away. Practice crop rotation so you do not plant radishes in the same spot every year.
Keep your radish healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I still eat radishes with holes in the leaves?
- Yes, the radish root itself is usually perfectly fine to eat. Just wash the leaves well if you plan to use them in a salad.
- Will the holes kill my radish plant?
- Usually no, but heavy damage can weaken the plant and make the root smaller. Keep the plant healthy with consistent water to help it outgrow the damage.
More problems with Radish
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.