When to Plant Radish in O'Brien County, IA
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.
O'Brien County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 658 feet, O'Brien County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall.
O'Brien County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Radish Planting Timeline — O'Brien County, IA
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
22–35 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
157 days
Growing Tips for O'Brien County
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 O'Brien County, IA?
O'Brien County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is O'Brien County, IA?
O'Brien County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help O'Brien County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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