When to plant Daikon in Custer County, CO
Custer County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Daikon between May 9 (after last frost on May 23) and May 30. A second sowing from July 17 to July 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Daikon in Custer County, CO
June in the garden — Custer County, Colorado
Each item below is timed to Custer County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: daikon
- Fall sowing: daikon
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.
Custer County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 125 days.
At an elevation of 8,115 feet, Custer County receives approximately 18.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Daikon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Custer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Daikon 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 Custer County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.8) is more alkaline than Daikon prefers (5.8–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Custer County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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 Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 17.
Daikon Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Daikon
Daikon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Daikon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Custer County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Daikon Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Daikon Planting Timeline — Custer County, CO
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 17 | Jul 17 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
125 days in Custer County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Custer County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after May 23 in Custer 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.
Custer County receives only 18" of rain annually. Daikon needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Daikon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daikon in Custer County, CO?
Custer County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Custer County, CO?
Custer County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 25.
When should I plant Daikon in Custer County, CO?
In Custer County, CO, plant Daikon after the last frost (around May 23) and before the first frost (around September 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Custer County, CO for Daikon?
Custer County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Daikon grow in Custer County's climate?
Yes — Daikon grows well in Custer County's temperate climate. Custer County averages a 125-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 23 and first frost around September 25.
Your Custer County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Custer County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.