🌶️When to Plant Radish (2026)
The fastest crop in the garden. Ready in under a month.
- Type: Cool-season
- Method: Direct sow
- Days to harvest: 28
- Spacing: 2" apart
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Companions: carrot, lettuce, spinach
Is Radish right for your USDA zone?
Radish is a cool-season crop, which means it thrives in the mild temperatures of spring and fall. Gardeners in zones 3a through 7b get the longest radish season — you can plant in early spring and again in late summer for a fall harvest. In warmer zones (8a-10b), grow radish as a winter crop from October through February when temperatures are coolest.
Radish needs about 28 days from sowing to harvest, so any zone with at least 42frost-free days can grow it successfully. Check your zone's specific dates in the table below.
How to grow radish
Radish grows best when direct-sown right where it will mature, because it dislikes having its roots disturbed. Give each plant 2 inches of room in full sun to part shade, and keep the soil consistently moist while seeds germinate and plants establish.
Expect roughly 28 days to your first harvest. Watch for flea beetle, root maggot, the most common pests of radish, and scout plants weekly so you can act early. Sow thinly—overcrowding causes all leaves and no bulb formation. Thin to 2 inches apart ruthlessly. The thinnings are edible microgreens. For the mildest flavor, harvest promptly once shoulders push above soil.
Troubleshooting radish
Flea beetles chew tiny round holes (shotgun pattern) in leaves. While severe damage stunts root development, light damage is cosmetic. Row cover at sowing completely prevents infestation.
Growing radish in containers
Shallow 4-6 inch deep trays work perfectly—radishes are the easiest container vegetable. One 12-inch windowsill planter produces a fresh batch every month. Great for kids and beginners.
Radish planting dates by zone (2026)
| Zone | Start Indoors | Sow / Transplant | Harvest From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | Apr 17 | May 15 |
| Zone 3b | — | Apr 17 | May 15 |
| Zone 4a | — | Apr 12 | May 10 |
| Zone 4b | — | Apr 7 | May 5 |
| Zone 5a | — | Apr 2 | Apr 30 |
| Zone 5b | — | Mar 28 | Apr 25 |
| Zone 6a | — | Mar 23 | Apr 20 |
| Zone 6b | — | Mar 18 | Apr 15 |
| Zone 7a | — | Mar 13 | Apr 10 |
| Zone 7b | — | Mar 8 | Apr 5 |
| Zone 8a | — | Feb 25 | Mar 25 |
| Zone 8b | — | Feb 15 | Mar 15 |
| Zone 9a | — | Jan 28 | Feb 25 |
| Zone 9b | — | Jan 13 | Feb 10 |
| Zone 10a | — | Jan 3 | Jan 31 |
| Zone 10b | — | Dec 18 | Jan 15 |
Radish planting FAQ
When is the best time to plant radish?
Radish is a cool-season crop. Plant it in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall harvest. It tolerates light frost. Find the exact date for your USDA zone in the table below.
How long does radish take to grow?
Radish takes about 28 days from sowing to first harvest. It is best direct-sown rather than transplanted.
How far apart should I space radish?
Space radish about 2 inches apart in full sun to part shade. Proper spacing gives roots room to spread and improves airflow, which reduces disease.
What is the best growing tip for radish?
Sow thinly—overcrowding causes all leaves and no bulb formation. Thin to 2 inches apart ruthlessly. The thinnings are edible microgreens. For the mildest flavor, harvest promptly once shoulders push above soil.
What are common problems with radish?
Flea beetles chew tiny round holes (shotgun pattern) in leaves. While severe damage stunts root development, light damage is cosmetic. Row cover at sowing completely prevents infestation.
Can I grow radish in a container?
Shallow 4-6 inch deep trays work perfectly—radishes are the easiest container vegetable. One 12-inch windowsill planter produces a fresh batch every month. Great for kids and beginners.
Can I plant radish for a second harvest?
Absolutely—sow every 2 weeks in spring and again when temperatures cool in late summer. Skip mid-summer (July) in hot zones—radishes bolt and turn woody above 80°F. Fall radishes are sweeter.
What grows well with radish?
Good companion plants for radish are carrot, lettuce, spinach. Companion planting can deter pests and make better use of garden space. Rotate where you plant radish each year to keep soil healthy.