When to Plant Daikon in Wayne 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.
Wayne County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 901 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.
Wayne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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 Wayne County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) is within Daikon's preferred range (5.8–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wayne County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — 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 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 04.
Plant Water Budget
Daikon Planting Timeline — Wayne County, IA
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 4 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Wayne County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Wayne County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after April 26 in Wayne 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 Wayne County, IA?
Wayne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wayne County, IA?
Wayne County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wayne County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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