🍠 Can I Plant Radish in Chicago, IL?

2026 planting guide for Zone 6a · Last frost ~April 22 · Growing season ~190 days

✅ YES — Good time to plant for a fall harvest

Radish thrives in cool weather and can be planted now for a fall harvest. Sow seeds soon — they'll be ready around Aug 21–Aug 29, well before the average first frost around Nov 23.

Planting window: Jul 30 – Aug 13
Sow radish seeds directly now for a fall harvest. Expect to harvest around Aug 21.
Live result based on current forecast for Chicago, IL · Updates every 6 hours
USDA Zone
6a
Last Spring Frost
~April 22
First Fall Frost
October 29
Growing Season
~190 days
Ideal Temp for Radish
40–65°F
Frost Risk
✅ Tolerant

Growing Radish in Chicago

Chicago's Zone 6a climate means a compressed but productive growing season roughly 190 days long. Lake Michigan moderates temperatures somewhat, but late spring frosts into April and early fall frosts in October keep the window tight. Succession planting and season extension tools like row covers make a big difference here.

In Chicago (last frost around April 22), radish can go out around March — approximately 6 weeks before the last expected frost, making it an early-season opportunity.

Radish thrives between 40°F and 65°F. It tolerates temperatures as low as 32°F, making it a candidate for early spring planting before the last frost date. Expect 22–30 days from transplant to first harvest. One of the fastest vegetables. Spring or fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I plant radish in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago (last frost around April 22), radish can go out around March — approximately 6 weeks before the last expected frost, making it an early-season opportunity.

What is the USDA hardiness zone for Chicago?

Chicago, IL is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a. The last expected spring frost is around April 22, and the first fall frost arrives around October 29. This zone classification helps you understand which perennials survive winter and when annual vegetables can safely go outdoors.

Is it safe to plant radish outside in Chicago right now?

That depends on the current weather forecast. Radish needs temperatures above 32°F (ideally 40–65°F) to thrive. CanIPlant checks your real 7-day forecast and any active frost alerts to give you a live YES, NO, or WAIT answer — just enter your ZIP code.

Can I grow radish in Chicago 2026?

Yes — Radish grows well in Chicago, IL. With a Zone 6a climate and a growing season of ~190 days, Chicago is well-suited for cool-season crops like radish. As a frost-tolerant crop, radish can even go out a few weeks before the last frost date.

Grow Radish in Other Cities

New York, NYLos Angeles, CAHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PASan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CADallas, TX

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