Root Vegetable

When to Plant Radishes in New Mexico

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 Mexico, soil conditions are an important factor for radishes. Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Caliche layers common. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost date. Radishes can also be planted in fall, 6 weeks before your first frost.

New Mexico Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern New Mexico 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b May 5 - May 25 Sep 15 - Oct 5
Central New Mexico (Albuquerque) 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 5
Southern New Mexico 7b, 8a, 8b Mar 15 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 15

Radishes Planting Schedule for New Mexico

Northern New Mexico (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 5

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

Central New Mexico (Albuquerque) (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Southern New Mexico (Zones 7b, 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

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

Growing Radishes in New Mexico

Radishes in New Mexico's Climate

Sow radishes from November through January only. The window is brief. The good news: they're so fast-maturing (22-30 days) that you can get 3-4 succession plantings even in the shortest cool window.

Soil Considerations for New Mexico

Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Caliche layers common. Heavy amendment with compost essential. 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 Mexico Climate & Growing Season

High desert climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings day to night. Irrigation essential. Radishes can handle frost well, which is an advantage in New Mexico's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across New Mexico: Northern New Mexico (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) has a last frost around May 5 - May 25, while Southern New Mexico (7b, 8a, 8b) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 5. 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 Mexico, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Mexico gardeners should plan around a May 5 - May 25 last frost, while those in Southern New Mexico can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Radishes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states New Mexico Planting Calendar All plants for New Mexico Radishes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Radishes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Radishes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Radishes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
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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