When to Plant Radishes in Colorado Springs, CO
Published: April 24, 2026
Radish Planting Dates for Colorado Springs, CO
| Start seeds indoors | Year-round |
| Last frost (average) | March 22 |
| Direct sow outdoors | February 15–25 |
| Minimum soil temperature | 40°F |
| Expect first harvest | March 9 – March 17 |
| Fall crop planting | October 6–16 |
| Fall crop harvest | October 28 |
| First fall frost (average) | November 10 |
⚠ 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.
Best Radish Varieties for Colorado Springs, CO
Consult a Colorado Springs-area nursery or your state extension office for radish varieties proven in Zone 6b.
Growing Radishes in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs sits in Zone 6b, with an average last frost of March 22 and first fall frost around November 10 — giving a 233-day frost-free growing season. Cool-season crops like radish benefit from Colorado Springs's cooler spring and fall windows, when temperatures stay in the 55–75°F sweet spot that produces the best flavor and least bolting.
Colorado Springs's moderate climate supports radish on the standard transplant calendar with minimal special accommodation. Succession planting — sowing fresh seeds or setting new transplants every 2–3 weeks through spring — stretches the harvest window and gives you a backup crop if pests hit the first planting.
Colorado Springs's well-draining loam soils are among the best for radish growing — focus on annual organic matter additions (2 to 3 inches of compost) and consistent moisture during drier months. Water radish at 1 inches per week; loam holds moisture evenly without the drought-crack cycle of heavy clay or the rapid-drain losses of pure sand.
Radish Calendar for Colorado Springs
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| Year | Start seeds indoors under grow lights |
| March | Last frost — soil warming, prepare bed |
| February | Direct sow seeds into warm soil |
| March | Expect first harvest window to open |
| October | Start fall crop — transplants or direct sow |
| November | First fall frost — harvest remaining, end of outdoor season |
Radish Tips for Colorado Springs Gardeners
- •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.
- •Succession plant radish in Colorado Springs every 2–3 weeks through spring to extend the harvest window into summer.
Common Radish Pests in Colorado Springs
- •Flea Beetle — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); tiny black beetles that riddle leaves with holes; row covers protect seedlings.
- •Cabbage Root Maggot — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); monitor closely during peak season and treat early.
- •Aphid — peaks July in Zone 6b (active May–September); monitor closely during peak season and treat early.
Check plants every 2–3 days during peak season — early intervention prevents most infestations from becoming serious.
What to Plant with Radishes in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs's moderate climate, Lettuce and Carrot are the most beneficial plants to grow alongside radish. Lettuce improves nearby plant health and pest resistance. Keep radish away from Hyssop — it competes for nutrients or shares pest pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant radish in Colorado Springs, CO?
In Colorado Springs (Zone 6b), direct sow radish around February 15–25. Soil must be at 40°F or warmer at 2-inch depth before sowing — cold soil rots the seeds.
What zone is Colorado Springs, CO for radish growing?
Colorado Springs is USDA Zone 6b. For radish, this means a frost-free growing season of roughly 33 weeks running from March 22 to November 10. Cool-season crops like radish thrive in this zone with both spring and fall planting windows available.
When is radish harvest season in Colorado Springs?
Expect the first radish harvest in Colorado Springs around March 9, with harvest continuing through March 17. This is based on 22–30 days from transplant or direct sow. A fall crop planted October 6–16 adds a second harvest around October 28.
How long does it take to grow radish in Colorado Springs, CO?
From transplant or direct sow to first harvest, radish takes 22–30 days in Colorado Springs's climate. Based on a typical planting date of February 15–25, expect your first harvest around March 9. Colorado Springs's Zone 6b transition-zone climate produces maturity times right in the middle of the stated range.
What soil does radish need in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs's loam soil is near-ideal for radish. Work in 2–3 inches of compost before planting to boost organic matter and nutrient content. Minimal amendment is needed beyond that — loam holds moisture evenly without the drought-crack cycle of clay or the nutrient-loss issues of sandy soil.