Root Vegetable

When to Plant Radishes in Washington

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

The Short Answer

Western Washington's cool maritime climate grows radishes for most of the year — the crop never bolts in the Puget Sound region's moderate summers, making it one of the most reliable and productive vegetables in a western Washington garden.

Washington Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20

Radishes Planting Schedule for Washington

Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)

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

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

Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)

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

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

Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)

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

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

Central Washington (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20

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

Growing Radishes in Washington

State-Specific Growing Tips

Western WA: sow March through October — one of the longest radish seasons in the country. The cool climate prevents bolting and pithy texture. Eastern WA: sow March through May, September through October. WSU Extension rates radishes highly for western Washington.

Recommended Varieties for Washington

Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, Easter Egg. Any variety works in western WA's cool climate. Daikon and Watermelon radish for fall.

Common Challenges in Washington

Slugs on seedlings in western WA. Root maggots. Flea beetles. Despite these, radishes are so fast and vigorous they typically outgrow pest damage.

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 in Washington with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Central Washington sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 10. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Washington Planting Calendar All plants for Washington 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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