Quick planting window
| Start indoors | Not recommended; sow seeds directly instead |
|---|---|
| Transplant | Not recommended; sow seeds directly to avoid root disturbance |
| Sow seeds | February to March |
| Estimated harvest | March to April |
| Risk | Low risk |
Month calendar
Scan the year by month to see seed starting, sowing, transplanting, and harvest timing.
Radish is a reasonable spring choice for California if you adjust for your local microclimate.
Next: ZIP code personalization
This is a state-level planning window based on typical frost timing and crop rules. Use local Extension guidance or a ZIP code frost-date tool before planting.
Planning notes
Days to maturity
28
Covered states
20
Maturity range
28-240 days
Crop overview pages compare state windows; open a specific state page to see that state's frost dates, heat risk, and Extension source.
Radish growing notes
The calendar window is only the first step. These growing details affect survival, plant vigor, and harvest quality.
Sun
Full sun in cool weather.
Soil
Loose soil without crusting.
Spacing
1-2 inches after thinning.
Container
Excellent in shallow containers.
Watering
Keep evenly moist for mild flavor.
Common mistake
Leaving roots in the ground too long.
Beginner tip
Sow small batches weekly during cool windows.
Month window table
| State | Spring transplant / sow | Spring harvest | Fall transplant / sow | Fall harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | February to March | March to April | October to November | November to December |
| New York | April to May | May | August to September | September to October |
| Texas | February to March | March to April | September to October | October to November |
| Washington | April to May | May | September to October | October |
| New Jersey | April to May | May | September to October | October |
| Florida | January to February | February to March | November to December | December |
| North Carolina | March to April | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Georgia | February to March | March to April | September to October | October to November |
| Illinois | March to April | April to May | August to September | September to October |
| Ohio | March to April | April to May | August to September | September to October |
| Pennsylvania | April to May | April to May | August to September | September to October |
| Michigan | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Arizona | February to March | March | October to November | November to December |
| Oregon | March to April | April to May | September to October | October |
| Massachusetts | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Minnesota | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Virginia | March to April | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Colorado | April to May | May to June | August to September | September to October |
| Tennessee | March to April | April to May | September to October | October to November |
| Missouri | March to April | April to May | September to October | October |
Sources and limits
This crop overview summarizes typical frost windows and crop rules across 20 states. Because it is not tied to one state, the links below point to representative state Extension sources; state and crop-state pages show the matching state source.
Note: this overview shows a sample of sources; each state page exposes its own Extension reference.
FAQ
When should I start radish indoors?
Radish is usually not worth starting indoors; outdoor sowing is more practical.
Can I sow radish outdoors?
Radish can be sown outdoors when soil and nights are suitable. In California, the spring estimate is about February to March.
When should I transplant radish?
Radish is not usually transplanted because root disturbance can hurt establishment.
How long does radish take to harvest?
Radish is listed at about 28 days to maturity. Cool weather, weak light, or stress can extend that timeline.
Is radish container friendly?
Yes. Excellent in shallow containers.
What is the most common radish mistake?
Leaving roots in the ground too long.
Is radish better in spring or fall?
Both spring and fall can work in many states, but fall timing should count backward from the first frost date.
Is this ZIP-code accurate?
No. V1 uses conservative state-level windows and reserves ZIP-code frost dates, USDA zone matching, and reminders for the next phase.