When to Plant Radish in Palo Alto 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.
Palo Alto County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,358 feet, Palo Alto County receives approximately 34.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall.
Palo Alto County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Radish Planting Timeline — Palo Alto County, IA
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
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
164 days
Growing Tips for Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County, IA?
Palo Alto County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Palo Alto County, IA?
Palo Alto County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Palo Alto County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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