When to Plant Daikon in Otoe County, NE
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.
Otoe County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 550 feet, Otoe County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daikon to ensure they mature before fall.
Otoe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
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
Daikon Planting Timeline — Otoe County, NE
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 3 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–70 days
Soil pH
5.8 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
169 days
Growing Tips for Otoe 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 Otoe County, NE?
Otoe County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otoe County, NE?
Otoe County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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