When Are Radishes In Season

If you want the best flavor from your garden or market, knowing when radishes are in season is key. This guide will walk you through their peak times, how to grow them, and how to enjoy them all year.

Radishes are a fast and rewarding crop. Their crisp texture and peppery bite are at their best when harvested in cool weather. Understanding their seasonal rhythm means you’ll always get the tastiest roots.

Radishes are primarily a cool-season crop. Their peak seasons are spring and fall. In most regions, they thrive when daytime temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C).

Hot summer weather makes them grow too quickly. This leads to a woody texture and an overly sharp, unpleasant flavor. For the best results, you need to time your planting around the heat.

Spring Radish Season

Spring is the classic radish season. You can sow seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked, often 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. They mature quickly, ready for harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks.

Start planting in early spring.
Make successive plantings every 7-10 days for a continuous harvest.
Harvest must be completed before the intense summer heat arrives.

Fall Radish Season

Fall is arguably the best time for radishes. Cooler temperatures and milder days create ideal growing conditions. The flavor becomes more mellow and sweet, especially after a light frost.

Start planting seeds in late summer, about 4-6 weeks before the first fall frost.
Fall-grown radishes often have a superior texture and taste compared to spring ones.
They can be stored in the ground longer with protection like mulch.

Winter Radish Varieties

Don’t forget about winter radishes like Daikon or Black Spanish radishes. These are a different group meant for late fall harvest and storage. They grow much larger and have a longer growing season of 50-70 days.

Plant them in mid to late summer.
Harvest them after frosts sweeten them but before the ground freezes solid.
They store exceptionally well in a cool root cellar for months.

Seasonal Availability by Region

Your local climate greatly affects the radish calendar. Here’s a general breakdown:

Northern U.S. & Canada: Spring planting from April-May. Fall planting from August to early September. A short summer window is possible but tricky.
Southern U.S.: A long fall, winter, and spring season. Plant from September through April. Summer is generally too hot for good quality.
Mild Coastal & UK Climates: Radishes can be grown almost year-round with protection, avoiding only the deepest winter freeze.

How to Grow Radishes in Their Prime Season

Growing radishes successfully is simple if you follow a few steps. The goal is consistent, quick growth.

1. Planting Site and Soil

Choose a spot with full sun to light shade. The soil must be loose, well-draining, and free of stones. Compacted soil causes misshapen roots.

Work the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches.
Mix in compost, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leafy tops over roots.

2. Sowing Seeds Correctly

Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep. Space them an inch apart in rows that are 6 inches apart. Thinning is crucial—crowded radishes won’t form bulbs properly.

Thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart once they have a few leaves.
Water the seedbed gently but thoroughly after planting.

3. Watering and Care

Consistent moisture is non-negotiable. Inconsistent watering leads to cracked roots or excessive pungency. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.

Use a light mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Weed carefully, as radishes have shallow roots that can be easily disturbed.

4. Harvesting at the Right Time

Check your seed packet for “days to maturity.” Most spring radishes are ready in 20-30 days. Don’t let them linger in the ground past maturity, as they become pithy.

Gently pull one to test its size. They’re best when small to medium.
Harvest all your radishes if a heatwave is forcasted.

Finding Radishes at the Farmers Market

At the market, look for radishes with crisp, bright greens attached—a sign of freshness. The roots should be firm, smooth, and without significant cracks.

Spring markets will have classic red globes and colorful Easter Egg varieties.
Fall markets feature a wider diversity, including all the winter storage types.
Ask the farmer when they were harvested for the best insight.

Storing Your Seasonal Radish Harvest

Proper storage keeps that just-picked crunch. First, separate the greens from the roots. The greens draw moisture out, causing the radish to go limp.

Store unwashed roots in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They’ll last 1-2 weeks.
Winter radishes store for months in a cold, humid place like a fridge or root cellar.
You can also slice and quick-pickle radishes to extend there usability.

Year-Round Radish Tips

With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown radishes for much of the year.

Use cold frames or row covers to extend the spring and fall season by several weeks on both ends.
In very hot climates, grow them in containers placed in afternoon shade during the shoulder seasons.
Consider indoor hydroponic systems for a small winter harvest of microgreens or full-sized roots.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even in season, issues can arise. Here’s how to fix them:

All Leaf, No Bulb: Too much nitrogen, not enough sun, or overcrowding. Thin properly and use balanced fertilizer.
Excessively Hot or Bitter Taste: Caused by hot weather, slow growth, or old age. Stick to the cool-season schedule and harvest promptly.
Woody or Pithy Texture: The radishes are over-mature or endured a growth check from uneven watering. Harvest on time and water consistently.

FAQ: Your Radish Season Questions

Can you get radishes in summer?

It’s challenging. For a summer harvest, plant heat-tolerant varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ and provide afternoon shade. Success is not guaranteed, and quality is often lower than in cooler seasons.

What month are radishes harvested?

Harvest months vary by climate. In the North, spring harvest is May-June, fall harvest is September-October. In the South, harvest occurs from October through May.

Are radishes a winter vegetable?

Spring varieties are not, but winter radishes (like Daikon) are specifically grown for late fall harvest and winter storage, making them a true winter vegetable option.

Why are my radishes so small?

Small radishes are usually due to overcrowding, insufficient thinning, poor soil, or lack of consistent water. Ensure you give them enough space and resources to grow.

Knowing when radishes are in season transforms your gardening and cooking. By aligning with their natural preference for cool weather, you ensure a harvest that is crisp, flavorful, and satisfying. Plan your planting dates, provide simple care, and you’ll enjoy this speedy crop at its absolute best.