When to Plant Radish in Ellis 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.
Ellis County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 167 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Radish, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Radish root diseases.
Ellis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
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 Ellis County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) is more alkaline than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your soil has 37% clay, which can cause forked or stunted roots for Radish. Use raised beds with loose, sandy mix for best results.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help 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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 11.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Radish Planting Timeline — Ellis County, TX
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 11 | Sep 11 – Sep 25 |
| Harvest | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Ellis County
Growing Tips for Radish in Ellis County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after March 09 in Ellis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Ellis County's clay soil (37% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Radish. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Ellis County reach 93°F — grow Radish as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 256.0-day season in Ellis 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 Ellis County, TX?
Ellis County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ellis County, TX?
Ellis County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ellis County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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