Rainline Garden

When to plant radishes in Olympia, WA

Plant radishes from seed, directly in the garden in Olympia, Mar 18 – May 13. For a fall harvest, plant again Sep 2–16.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Olympia's typical last spring frost is April 29. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 6 weeks before that.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

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 Mar 18 – May 13, 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 Sep 2–16 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 Olympia, WA?

Typically April 29. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 15. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Olympia Airport.

Is it too late to plant radishes in Olympia?

The spring planting window runs through May 13. If you miss it, plant again for fall from September 2 to September 16.

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 Olympia around the same time

Planting dates for radishes in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Olympia · Radishes in every city