When to Plant Daikon in Linn 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.
Linn County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 938 feet, Linn County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daikon to ensure they mature before fall.
Linn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
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 Linn County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.2) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Linn County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Daikon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Daikon will thrive.
How to Plant Daikon
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Daikon
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 02.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Daikon Planting Timeline — Linn County, IA
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jul 4 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Linn County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Linn County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after April 25 in Linn 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 Linn County, IA?
Linn County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Linn County, IA?
Linn County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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