When to Plant Radish in Dawson County, TX
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.
Dawson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 4,748 feet, Dawson County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Radish may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Radish will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Dawson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.4
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 Dawson County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.8–8.4) is more alkaline than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Dawson County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Radish will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Radish.
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 Oct 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Radish
Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Radish Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Dawson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Radish Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Radish Planting Timeline — Dawson County, TX
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
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 | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Dawson County
Growing Tips for Radish in Dawson County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after April 01 in Dawson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Dawson County dries quickly — mulch Radish with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Dawson County reach 102°F — grow Radish as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 223.0-day season in Dawson 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
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Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Dawson County, TX?
Dawson County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawson County, TX?
Dawson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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