Growing radishes: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant radishes in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Radishes: cool-season, hardy to frost. Plant when soil reaches 45–70°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): seed March 20 – April 10; fall planting August 20 – September 10. First picking around April 24 – May 22.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): seed March 4 – March 25; fall planting September 3 – September 24. First picking around April 8 – May 6.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): seed February 8 – March 1; fall planting September 27 – October 18. First picking around March 15 – April 12.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): seed January 21 – February 11; fall planting October 13 – November 3. First picking around February 25 – March 25.
Setting it up
Direct-seed in the field. Space plants 1 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, about 0.5 inch deep. Expect roughly 28 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Fastest crop in the garden. Interplant with slow germinators like carrots to mark rows.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: excellent — Radishes is well suited to Zone 6b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Radishes is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Radishes is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: good — Cool-season crops bolt fast under Zone 9a heat. Prioritize the fall planting window and use shade cloth for any spring succession.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.