When to Plant Radishes in Maryland
The fastest vegetable in the garden — some varieties are ready in just 25 days. Perfect for impatient gardeners and kids.
The Short Answer
Maryland Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Maryland you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Maryland | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| Central Maryland | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Eastern Shore | 7a, 7b, 8a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Radishes Planting Schedule for Maryland
Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Radishes in Maryland
Radishes in Maryland's Climate
Radishes are the instant-gratification crop of spring. Direct sow 4 weeks before last frost and succession plant every 2 weeks through May. They bolt and turn pithy once temperatures exceed 80°F consistently. Resume sowing in September for fall harvest. Great for kids and first-time gardeners.
Soil Considerations for Maryland
Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for radishes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Maryland Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state. Radishes can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Maryland's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for radishes — but radishes handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.
Growing Tips
Don't let them stay in the ground too long — they get pithy and hot. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.
Companion Planting
Plant radishes alongside these companions for better growth:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026