When to Plant Radishes
Published: April 24, 2026
The fastest crop in the garden — ready in 22–30 days. Direct sow 4–6 weeks before last frost and succession plant every 2 weeks for a continuous spring harvest.
When to plant radish
- Direct sow outdoors: 5 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 40°F
- Days to harvest: 22–30 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 2 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: Yes — plant 5 weeks before first fall frost
⚠ Direct sow radishes 4–6 weeks before last frost — one of the fastest crops in the garden. Ready in as little as 22 days. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.
Growing Tips for Radishes
- •Thin to 2-inch spacing when seedlings are an inch tall — crowded radishes produce small woody roots.
- •Succession plant every 10–14 days from early spring through late spring for continuous harvest.
- •Plant as a row marker for slow-germinating crops like carrots — radishes sprout in days and mark the rows.
- •Harvest promptly at target size; over-mature radishes turn pithy, woody, and unpleasantly hot.
Companion Planting for Radishes
✅ Plant radish with
- • Lettuce
- • Carrot
- • Pea
- • Cucumber
- • Spinach
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Hyssop
- • Grape
Common Radish Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Radishes Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant radishes?
Direct sow radishes 4–6 weeks before your last frost date, as soon as soil is workable and above 4°C. In Zones 3–5 this is late March to mid-April; in Zones 7–8, late February to mid-March. Radishes tolerate light frost and prefer cool weather — they bolt and turn woody in summer heat above 24°C.
How fast do radishes grow?
Spring radish varieties (Cherry Belle, French Breakfast) are ready to harvest in just 22–30 days from seed — the fastest of any common vegetable. This makes them ideal for succession planting every 10–14 days. Winter radishes like Daikon take longer (50–70 days) and are planted in late summer for fall harvest.
Why are my radishes all leaves and no roots?
Oversized leafy tops with tiny roots come from excessive nitrogen, crowding, or too much heat. Thin seedlings to 2-inch spacing, avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizer, and plant in cool weather. If summer heat has already arrived, wait and plant a fall crop when temperatures drop below 24°C.
Can I grow radishes in summer?
Most spring radish varieties bolt and turn woody in summer heat. Switch to heat-tolerant varieties like Champion or French Breakfast, plant in partial afternoon shade, or skip summer altogether in favor of a fall crop. Fall radishes are often better than spring because cool temperatures produce mild, crisp roots.
What should I plant with radishes?
Radishes pair well with lettuce, spinach, carrots, peas, and cucumbers. They are used as row markers for slow-germinating crops and as trap crops for flea beetles. Avoid hyssop and grapes, which inhibit radish growth. Radishes are one of the easiest companion crops in any garden.