When to Plant Daikon in Clay County, IL
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.
Clay County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Clay County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Daikon Planting Timeline — Clay County, IL
Daikon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.8–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Daikon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Daikon in Clay County, IL?
Clay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, IL?
Clay County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clay County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.