When to plant radishes in John Day, OR

Plant radishes from seed, directly in the garden in John Day, Apr 20 – Jun 15. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 7–21.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

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

Why these dates

John Day's typical last spring frost is May 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the high desert and mountains, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 20.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

How to grow radishes in John Day

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 20 – Jun 15, ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart (thin to 2 inches).
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Aug 7–21 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Most are ready in about four weeks. Pull them while they're small; they turn woody if left too long.

Key numbers

45–85°FSoil to sprout
6.0–7.0Soil pH
1 inch a week, evenlyWater
Root maggotsBiggest risk

Growing notes

What makes the difference in Northwest gardens, in plain language.

Soil and steady growth

Radishes want loose, crumbly soil with no rocks or clods, and a pH of about 6.0 to 7.0. They grow so fast that they rarely need extra fertilizer; too much nitrogen gives you big leaves and skinny roots. The real secret is quick, even growth. Keep the top few inches of soil moist from sowing to harvest. A radish that dries out and then gets soaked tends to crack, and one that grows slowly in dry soil turns hot and tough.

Why radishes go woody or bolt

Radishes are a cool-weather crop. As days get long and warm in early summer, plants switch from making a root to making a flower stalk, and the root turns pithy and sharp. That is why the guide suggests short rows every two weeks rather than one big sowing. In the Northwest, sow from early spring into May, skip midsummer, and start again in late August for a fall crop. East of the Cascades, spring heat arrives fast, so get the first sowings in as soon as the soil can be worked.

Keeping root maggots out

Cabbage root maggots are the larvae of a small gray fly that lays eggs at the base of young radishes. They do the most damage in cool, wet spring soil, which is exactly what western Oregon and Washington have in April and May. Row cover works because it blocks the fly before eggs are laid, so lay it on the day you sow and tuck the edges into the soil. Rotate where you plant radishes, turnips and cabbage-family crops each year so maggots don't build up in one bed.

Common questions

When is the last frost in John Day, OR?

Typically May 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 15. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for John Day.

Is it too late to plant radishes in John Day?

The spring planting window runs through June 15. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 7 to August 21.

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.

Why are my radishes all leaves and no root?

Usually the plants are too crowded, too shaded, or getting too much nitrogen. Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart and give them full sun. Hot weather can also push plants to flower before they form a root.

Why are my radishes so spicy?

Heat and dry soil make radishes hotter. Spring and fall radishes grown in cool weather with steady water are the mildest. Pick them on time, since older radishes get sharper and woodier.

Can I grow radishes in summer in the Northwest?

You can try, but most varieties bolt and turn pithy in long, warm summer days. It's easier to take a break from June to mid-August and sow again for fall. Fall radishes are often the best of the year here.

Also plant in John Day around the same time

Planting dates for radishes in nearby areas

Baker City, OR Apr 20 – Jun 15
Pendleton, OR Mar 20 – May 15
The Dalles, OR Mar 20 – May 15
Hood River, OR Mar 20 – May 15
Hermiston, OR Mar 20 – May 15
Ontario, OR Mar 20 – May 15

Full planting calendar for John Day · Radishes in every city