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When to Plant Daikon in Wilcox County, AL

Daikon is a large, mild Japanese radish that can grow over a foot long. It is excellent for pickling, stir-fries, and as a soil-breaking cover crop.

Wilcox County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 51 feet, Wilcox County receives approximately 61 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Daikon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Daikon root diseases.

Wilcox County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Wilcox County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (159 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – May 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (160 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jun 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (154 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jun 25

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Daikon needs ~1,050 GDD — county provides 4,270 GDD Excellent fit

Daikon Planting Timeline โ€” Wilcox County, AL

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 21
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 โ€“ Sep 18
Harvest April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 23

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Direct Sow
March Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

5.8 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

244 days

Growing Tips for Wilcox County

Direct sow in late summer for fall harvest. Loosen soil deeply before planting. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Harvest before hard freeze as exposed shoulders may crack.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Hyssop

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Daikon in Wilcox County, AL?

Wilcox County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wilcox County, AL?

Wilcox County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wilcox County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.