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When to Plant Daikon in Travis 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.

Travis County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 3,682 feet, Travis County receives approximately 66.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season. 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.

Travis County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Travis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (177 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 26 🍅 Harvest: Apr 23 – May 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (178 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – May 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (166 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Jun 28

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Daikon needs ~1,140 GDD — county provides 4,978 GDD Excellent fit

Daikon Planting Timeline โ€” Travis County, TX

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 13
Fall Sowing September 14 Sep 14 โ€“ Sep 28
Harvest April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 15

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 โ€”
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

262 days

Growing Tips for Travis 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 Travis County, TX?

Travis County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Travis County, TX?

Travis County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

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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 Travis County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.