Rainline Garden

When to plant radishes in Ellensburg, WA

Plant radishes from seed, directly in the garden in Ellensburg, Apr 1 – May 27. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 26 – Sep 9.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Ellensburg's typical last spring frost is April 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun; tolerates light shade
Spacing
1 inch apart (thin to 2 inches)
Planting depth
½ inch deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 28 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Apr 1 – May 27, ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart (thin to 2 inches).
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Plant again Aug 26 – Sep 9 for a fall harvest.
  5. Harvest: Most are ready in about four weeks. Pull them while they're small; they turn woody if left too long.

Varieties that do well here

  • Cherry Belle
  • French Breakfast
  • Easter Egg

Watch out for

Cabbage root maggots tunnel into roots in cool, wet springs. Row cover laid on at sowing keeps the flies off.

Sow a short row every two weeks for a steady supply.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Ellensburg, WA?

Typically April 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 12. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ellensburg Bowers Field.

Is it too late to plant radishes in Ellensburg?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 26 to September 9.

How long until I can harvest radishes?

About 28 days after planting. Most are ready in about four weeks. Pull them while they're small; they turn woody if left too long.

Also plant in Ellensburg around the same time

Planting dates for radishes in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Ellensburg · Radishes in every city