Root Vegetable

When to Plant Radishes in New Jersey

The fastest vegetable in the garden — some varieties are ready in just 25 days. Perfect for impatient gardeners and kids.

The Short Answer

In New Jersey, soil conditions are an important factor for radishes. Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason. Direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost date. Radishes can also be planted in fall, 6 weeks before your first frost.

New Jersey Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of New Jersey you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern New Jersey 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central New Jersey 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Southern New Jersey 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Radishes Planting Schedule for New Jersey

Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20

Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Growing Radishes in New Jersey

Radishes in New Jersey'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 New Jersey

Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for radishes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

New Jersey Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops. Radishes can handle frost well, which is an advantage in New Jersey's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 7b) 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:

Peas Lettuce Carrots Spinach

The Bottom Line

Radishes can be grown successfully across New Jersey, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Jersey gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern New Jersey can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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