FrostCal

When to Plant Radishes in Iowa

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 17 – Mar 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 6 in Keokuk and as late as Mar 29 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 5 – Sep 19.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 22–30 days

Very fast and cold-hardy; direct sow 3-5 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked.

Radishes Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
Des MoinesMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 8 – Sep 22
Cedar RapidsMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 31 – Sep 14
DavenportMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 10 – Sep 24
Sioux CityMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 26 – Sep 9
Iowa CityMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 6 – Sep 20
WaterlooMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 29 – Sep 12
AmesMar 22 – Apr 5Aug 27 – Sep 10
West Des MoinesMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 8 – Sep 22
Council BluffsMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 9 – Sep 23
DubuqueMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 9 – Sep 23
AnkenyMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 3 – Sep 17
UrbandaleMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 8 – Sep 22
Cedar FallsMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 29 – Sep 12
MarionMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 31 – Sep 14
BettendorfMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 10 – Sep 24
MarshalltownMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 26 – Sep 9
Mason CityMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 26 – Sep 9
ClintonMar 9 – Mar 23Sep 14 – Sep 28
BurlingtonMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 8 – Sep 22
Fort DodgeMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 27 – Sep 10
OttumwaMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 2 – Sep 16
MuscatineMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 12 – Sep 26
JohnstonMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 6 – Sep 20
CoralvilleMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 6 – Sep 20
WaukeeMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 6 – Sep 20
AltoonaMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 3 – Sep 17
North LibertyMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 6 – Sep 20
IndianolaMar 20 – Apr 3Aug 31 – Sep 14
CliveMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 8 – Sep 22
NewtonMar 18 – Apr 1Sep 5 – Sep 19

Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant radishes in Iowa?

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 17 – Mar 31. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 6 in Keokuk and as late as Mar 29 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 5 – Sep 19.

When is the last frost in Iowa?

The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do radishes take to grow?

Radishes typically take 22–30 days from planting to harvest. Very fast and cold-hardy; direct sow 3-5 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked.

Other Crops in Iowa

When to plant radishes in other states

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