When to Plant Daikon in Middlesex County, NJ
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.
Middlesex County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 947 feet, Middlesex County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.
Middlesex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
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 Middlesex County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.6) overlaps with Daikon's range (5.8–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Middlesex County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Daikon.
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 Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Plant Water Budget
Daikon Planting Timeline — Middlesex County, NJ
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Harvest | May 10 | May 10 – Jun 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Middlesex County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Middlesex County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after March 29 in Middlesex 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 Middlesex County, NJ?
Middlesex County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Middlesex County, NJ?
Middlesex County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Middlesex County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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