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When to plant Daikon in DeWitt County, IL

Aim to plant Daikon in DeWitt County on or after April 1; the window stays open through April 22. DeWitt County's 185-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daikon in DeWitt 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.

DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 801 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daikon to ensure they mature before fall.

DeWitt County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

DeWitt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in DeWitt County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Daikon Planting Timeline — DeWitt County, IL

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jun 24
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
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

185 days in DeWitt County

Growing Tips for DeWitt 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Daikon in DeWitt County, IL?

DeWitt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeWitt County, IL?

DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Daikon in DeWitt County, IL?

In DeWitt County, IL, plant Daikon after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is DeWitt County, IL for Daikon?

DeWitt County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daikon grow in DeWitt County's climate?

Yes — Daikon grows well in DeWitt County's temperate climate. DeWitt County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your DeWitt County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for DeWitt County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 DeWitt County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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