Rainline Garden

When to plant radishes in Yakima, WA

Plant radishes from seed, directly in the garden in Yakima, Mar 27 – May 22. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 23 – Sep 6.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Yakima's typical last spring frost is May 8. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 6 weeks before that.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

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 27 – May 22, 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 23 – Sep 6 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 Yakima, WA?

Typically May 8. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 27. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Yakima Air Terminal.

Is it too late to plant radishes in Yakima?

The spring planting window runs through May 22. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 23 to September 6.

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 Yakima around the same time

Planting dates for radishes in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Yakima · Radishes in every city