When to Plant Radishes in West Virginia
The fastest vegetable in the garden — some varieties are ready in just 25 days. Perfect for impatient gardeners and kids.
The Short Answer
West Virginia Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of West Virginia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Panhandle | 6a, 6b | Apr 20 - May 5 | Oct 5 - Oct 20 |
| Central Mountains | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 10 |
| Southern Valleys | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Radishes Planting Schedule for West Virginia
Eastern Panhandle (Zones 6a, 6b)
Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 20
Central Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 10
Southern Valleys (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Radishes in West Virginia
Radishes in West Virginia'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 West Virginia
Shale and sandstone soils. Acidic throughout. Thin mountain soils. Valleys have better soil depth. Raised beds often recommended. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for radishes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.
West Virginia Climate & Growing Season
Mountain climate with significant elevation variation. Cooler summers at altitude. Good rainfall. Microclimates in valleys. Radishes can handle frost well, which is an advantage in West Virginia's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across West Virginia: Eastern Panhandle (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Valleys (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 10 - Apr 25. 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