Radish Planting Guide

Fast-maturing root vegetable with crisp texture and peppery bite

Best Time and Place to Plant Radish

In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.

Plant Radish in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.

Planting Windows by Zone

ZoneSpringFall
Zone 1May 1 to June 15August 1 to August 30
Zone 2April 20 to June 10August 10 to September 15
Zone 3April 10 to May 30August 15 to September 30
Zone 4April 1 to May 20August 20 to October 1
Zone 5March 20 to May 15August 25 to October 10
Zone 6March 10 to May 10September 1 to October 20
Zone 7March 1 to May 1September 10 to November 1
Zone 8February 15 to April 20September 20 to November 15
Zone 9February 1 to April 10October 1 to December 1
Zone 10January 15 to March 30October 15 to December 15
Zone 11Year-round to Year-roundVaries
Zone 12Year-round to Year-roundVaries
Zone 13Year-round to Year-roundVaries

Spacing and Care

  • Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
  • Spacing: 2 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
  • Soil temperature: 40F to 70F
  • Sunlight: 4+ hours
  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist to prevent cracking; water every 2-3 days
  • Days to harvest: 25

Fertilization

  • 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: 1.5 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
  • Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked in before planting

Companion Plants

  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Lettuce
  • Cucumbers
  • Nasturtium

Avoid Planting Near

  • Hyssop

Harvest Signs

  • Root shoulder visible at soil surface at 0.75-1 inch size
  • Feels firm when grasped
  • Pull a test radish — if hollow or cracked, harvest all immediately
  • Harvest before hot weather causes pithiness

FAQs

When should I plant Radish?

Radish planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.

What is the best time of year to plant Radish?

The best time of year to plant Radish is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 40F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.

Where is the best place to plant Radish?

Plant Radish in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.

How far apart should I plant Radish?

Plant Radish about 2 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.

What grows well with Radish?

Radish is commonly paired with Carrots, Beets, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Nasturtium.