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When to Plant Daikon in Upshur 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.

Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 51 feet, Upshur County receives approximately 74 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Daikon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Daikon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Daikon root diseases.

Upshur County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Upshur County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (174 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – May 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (169 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jun 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (163 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jun 21

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
1.2″/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 ~1,275 GDD — county provides 5,376 GDD Excellent fit

Daikon Planting Timeline โ€” Upshur County, TX

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 โ€“ Mar 16
Fall Sowing September 8 Sep 8 โ€“ Sep 22
Harvest April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 18

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 8a

Growing Season

253 days

Growing Tips for Upshur 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 Upshur County, TX?

Upshur County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Upshur County, TX?

Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.

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