Rainline Garden

When to plant radishes in Salem, OR

Plant radishes from seed, directly in the garden in Salem, Mar 1 – Apr 26. For a fall harvest, plant again Sep 3–17.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Salem's typical last spring frost is April 3. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the west-side valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 1.

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 1 – Apr 26, 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 3–17 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 Salem, OR?

Typically April 3. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 27. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Salem McNary Field.

Is it too late to plant radishes in Salem?

The spring planting window runs through April 26. If you miss it, plant again for fall from September 3 to September 17.

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 Salem around the same time

Planting dates for radishes in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Salem · Radishes in every city