Why these dates work in zone 4a
Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 frost-free days. Radish tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Aug 9 for a second harvest before frost.
Common questions
How long does radish take to grow in zone 4a?
Radish matures in about 22–30 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 22 and first picking around May 14.
Will radish survive frost in zone 4a?
Yes — radish tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 20).
Can I plant a second crop of radish in zone 4a?
Yes — in zone 4a there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 9 for a second harvest before frost.
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full radish growing guide →
