When to Plant Radish in Pope County, IL
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in under a month. They come in round, elongated, and large winter types.
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Pope County receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season.
Pope County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Pope County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Radish's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pope County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radish.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Radish will thrive.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
Plant Water Budget
Radish Planting Timeline — Pope County, IL
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Harvest | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Pope County
Growing Tips for Radish in Pope County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after April 07 in Pope County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Pope County reach 91°F — grow Radish as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 197.0-day season in Pope County allows multiple plantings of Radish. Sow every 11.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Radish in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow every 1-2 weeks for continuous harvest. Do not transplant. Harvest spring radishes promptly to prevent them from becoming pithy and hot.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Pope County, IL?
Pope County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pope County, IL?
Pope County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pope County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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