When to Plant Daikon in Dolores County, CO
This month in Dolores County, Colorado
Your garden in Dolores County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Direct-sowing: 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.
Dolores County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 82 days.
At an elevation of 7,506 feet, Dolores County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.
Dolores County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-8.3
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 Dolores County
How your county's soil matches Daikon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Daikon prefers (5.8–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Dolores County is excellent for Daikon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Daikon.
How to Plant Daikon
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Dolores 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 — Dolores County, CO
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 27 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
82 days in Dolores County
Growing Tips for Daikon in Dolores County
Direct sow Daikon outdoors after June 18 in Dolores 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.
Dolores County receives only 23" 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 Dolores County, CO?
Dolores County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dolores County, CO?
Dolores County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 8.
Your Dolores County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dolores County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.