When to Plant Radish in Valdez-Cordova, AK
April in Valdez-Cordova, Alaska — your action list
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this April, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Direct-sow radish
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
A few tasks this April that'll pay off in May
- 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.
Valdez-Cordova, Alaska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 2,888 feet, Valdez-Cordova receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 66°F, so choose short-season varieties of Radish to ensure they mature before fall.
Valdez-Cordova Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.8
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 Valdez-Cordova
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.8) is more acidic than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Valdez-Cordova is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radish.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.2%) — Radish will thrive.
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 Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 27.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Valdez-Cordova). 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 — Valdez-Cordova, AK
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Valdez-Cordova
Growing Tips for Radish in Valdez-Cordova
Direct sow Radish outdoors after May 12 in Valdez-Cordova when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 146.0-day season in Valdez-Cordova 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Valdez-Cordova, AK?
Valdez-Cordova is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valdez-Cordova, AK?
Valdez-Cordova, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Valdez-Cordova Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Valdez-Cordova (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.