Root Vegetable

When to Plant Radishes in Tennessee

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

The Short Answer

In Tennessee, soil conditions are an important factor for radishes. Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east. Direct sow 4 weeks before your last frost date. Radishes can also be planted in fall, 6 weeks before your first frost.

Tennessee Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
East Tennessee 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Middle Tennessee 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
West Tennessee 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5

Radishes Planting Schedule for Tennessee

East Tennessee (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Middle Tennessee (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

West Tennessee (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

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

Growing Radishes in Tennessee

Radishes in Tennessee's Climate

Radishes are a cool-season sprint in warm climates — sow from October through February and harvest before spring warmth triggers bolting. Succession plant every 2 weeks during the cool window for multiple harvests. The quick maturity (22-30 days) means you can fit several rounds into even a short cool season.

Soil Considerations for Tennessee

Clay soils over limestone in Middle Tennessee. Rich river bottom soils in west. Rocky mountain soils in east. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for radishes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Tennessee Climate & Growing Season

Mild four-season climate. Hot, humid summers. Adequate rainfall. Good growing season for wide variety of crops. Radishes can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Tennessee's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Tennessee: East Tennessee (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 25, while West Tennessee (7a, 7b) sees frost end around Mar 25 - Apr 10. 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 Tennessee, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. East Tennessee gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 25 last frost, while those in West Tennessee 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 Tennessee Planting Calendar All plants for Tennessee 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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