When to plant Radish in Santa Cruz County County,
Santa Cruz County County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Plant Radish between January 21 (after last frost on February 11) and February 11. A second sowing from October 9 to October 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Radish in Santa Cruz County, CA
June in the garden — Santa Cruz County, California
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Santa Cruz County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 11 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 353 feet, Santa Cruz County receives approximately 18.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Radish successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Santa Cruz County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Radish 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 Santa Cruz County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.7) is more alkaline than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Santa Cruz County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Radish.
How to Plant Radish
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Radish
Sow every 2.4 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 09.
Radish 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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Santa Cruz 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 — Santa Cruz County, CA
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 21 | Jan 21 – Feb 11 |
| Harvest | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Fall Sowing | October 9 | Oct 9 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Direct Sow Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in Santa Cruz County
Growing Tips for Radish in Santa Cruz County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after February 11 in Santa Cruz County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Santa Cruz County reach 94°F — grow Radish as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 297.0-day season in Santa Cruz 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Radish in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Radish in Santa Cruz County, CA?
Santa Cruz County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 11. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Santa Cruz County, CA?
Santa Cruz County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 11 and first fall frost is December 4.
When should I plant Radish in Santa Cruz County County, ?
In Santa Cruz County County, , plant Radish after the last frost (around February 11) and before the first frost (around December 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Santa Cruz County County, for Radish?
Santa Cruz County County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Radish grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Radish grow in Santa Cruz County County's climate?
Yes — Radish grows well in Santa Cruz County County's temperate climate. Santa Cruz County County averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 11 and first frost around December 4.
Your Santa Cruz County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Santa Cruz County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.