PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant radishes in Baltimore, Maryland

February 22 – March 8

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Baltimore year

Climate basis: NOAA station Md Sci Ctr Baltimore, MD (USW00093784), 1 mi (2 km) from downtown Baltimore (ZCTA 21202 centroid), elevation 20 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow radishes from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 24). One year in ten still freezes after April 4.

Last spring freezeMarch 241-in-10 after Apr 4
First fall freezeNovember 211-in-10 before Nov 7
Frost-free season≈ 244 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 11 – Dec 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Baltimore year

Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 22 – Mar 8
Fall plantingSep 26 – Oct 24
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 4
Radishes in Baltimore · freeze context from Md Sci Ctr Baltimore, MD, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 22 – Mar 8

Purdue: hardy — 4–6 weeks before the last frost; Penn State's earliest sowing Apr 1 (−30 days) is the later start and is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 24). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 26 – Oct 24

Purdue Table 2: plant fall radishes at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Nov 21). Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes a spring type (about 25–35 days; Penn State lists 30).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

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