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When to Plant Daikon in Lee County, TX

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.

Lee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 275 days.

At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Lee County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Daikon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Daikon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Daikon root diseases.

Lee County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
275 days
Last Spring Frost February 28
275 growing days
First Fall Frost November 30

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (191 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: Apr 11 – May 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (191 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – May 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (184 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jun 16

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 247 gal / 100 sq ft
Daikon needs ~1,365 GDD — county provides 6,279 GDD Excellent fit

Daikon Planting Timeline โ€” Lee County, TX

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Mar 7
Fall Sowing September 21 Sep 21 โ€“ Oct 5
Harvest April 11 Apr 11 โ€“ May 9

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Direct Sow
March Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

5.8 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

275 days

Growing Tips for Lee 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

  • Hyssop

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Daikon in Lee County, TX?

Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, TX?

Lee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 30.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lee County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.