When to Plant Radishes in Vermont
The fastest vegetable in the garden — some varieties are ready in just 25 days. Perfect for impatient gardeners and kids.
The Short Answer
Vermont Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Vermont you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Vermont | 3b, 4a | May 20 - Jun 5 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
| Central Vermont | 4a, 4b, 5a | May 10 - May 25 | Sep 15 - Oct 1 |
| Southern Vermont | 4b, 5a, 5b | May 5 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 5 |
Radishes Planting Schedule for Vermont
Northern Vermont (Zones 3b, 4a)
Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Vermont (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)
Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Vermont (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5
Growing Radishes in Vermont
Radishes in Vermont's Climate
Radishes are perfect for cold-climate gardens — they're the fastest crop from seed to harvest (as few as 22 days) and tolerate frost. Direct sow as soon as soil thaws. Your cool, long spring means radishes grow for weeks without the bolting pressure that ends the season rapidly in warm zones. Fall radishes from an August sowing are equally productive.
Soil Considerations for Vermont
Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for radishes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
Vermont Climate & Growing Season
Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable. Radishes can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Vermont's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Vermont: Northern Vermont (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 5 - May 20. 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