When to Plant Daikon in Clay County, MN
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.
Clay County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,220 feet, Clay County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daikon to ensure they mature before fall.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.9
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Daikon Planting Timeline — Clay County, MN
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 8 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
5.8 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 3b
Growing Season
142 days
Growing Tips for Clay 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
Level Up Your Garden
Daikon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daikon in Clay County, MN?
Clay County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, MN?
Clay County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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