When to Plant Radish in Sutter County, CA
Your May gardening checklist
May is a pivotal month for Sutter County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Sutter County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 484 feet, Sutter County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Radish during the growing season.
Sutter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 Sutter County
How your county's soil matches Radish's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) is more alkaline than Radish prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sutter County is excellent for Radish — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Radish.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 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" | 0.9" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutter 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 — Sutter County, CA
Radish Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
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 | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
22–35 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Sutter County
Growing Tips for Radish in Sutter County
Direct sow Radish outdoors after March 04 in Sutter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 267.0-day season in Sutter 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 Sutter County, CA?
Sutter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Radish planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sutter County, CA?
Sutter County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
Your Sutter County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sutter 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.