When to Plant Daikon in Allamakee County, IA
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.
Allamakee County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 804 feet, Allamakee County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daikon to ensure they mature before fall.
Allamakee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Allamakee County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Allamakee County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Daikon will thrive.
How to Plant Daikon
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Daikon
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 15.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Daikon Planting Timeline — Allamakee County, IA
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Harvest | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Allamakee County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Allamakee County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after May 02 in Allamakee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Daikon in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Level Up Your Garden
Daikon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daikon in Allamakee County, IA?
Allamakee County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Allamakee County, IA?
Allamakee County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Allamakee County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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