When to Plant Radish in USDA Zone 5b
Your April game plan for Zone 5b
April is a pivotal month for Zone 5b gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Seed radish outdoors
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
May prep starts now
- First harvests: radish
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.
In Zone 5b, the average last spring frost is around April 18 and the first fall frost is around October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
Radish Planting Timeline — Zone 5b
Where Is USDA Zone 5b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5b. Click any state to see the Radish planting schedule for that location.
Radish Planting Calendar — Zone 5b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 5b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
22–35 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
178 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 2 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 6 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Radish in Zone
Sow every 2.4 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Radish in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~178 days). Start Radish indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
Radish needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week during active growth. Adjust watering based on your local rainfall and soil drainage.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
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Saving Radish Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Related Plants
Radish in Other Zones
Radish by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, plan your Radish planting around the average last frost date of April 18. Direct sow outdoors around April 4.
Can Radish grow in Zone 5b?
Yes, Radish can grow well in Zone 5b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 5b has a growing season of approximately 178 days, which is sufficient for Radish (22-35 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Radish in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, expect to harvest Radish from May 2 – May 23. Radish takes 22-35 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 5b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 5b is around April 18, and the first fall frost is around October 13. This gives a growing season of approximately 178 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Radish?
Good companion plants for Radish include Carrots, Lettuce, Peas, Spinach. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.