Blog

When to plant Daikon in Dubuque County, IA

Dubuque County gardeners should plant Daikon between April 15 and May 6 in spring. With Dubuque County's Zone 5a climate (last frost April 29), Daikon needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by July 31 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daikon in Dubuque County, IA

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.

Dubuque County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 1,243 feet, Dubuque County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Daikon to ensure they mature before fall.

Dubuque County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Dubuque County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Daikon Planting Timeline — Dubuque County, IA

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Jul 8
Fall Sowing July 31 Jul 31 – Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

163 days in Dubuque County

Growing Tips for Dubuque 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 Dubuque County, IA?

Dubuque County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dubuque County, IA?

Dubuque County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Daikon in Dubuque County, IA?

In Dubuque County, IA, plant Daikon after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dubuque County, IA for Daikon?

Dubuque County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Daikon grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Daikon grow in Dubuque County's climate?

Yes — Daikon grows well in Dubuque County's temperate climate. Dubuque County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Dubuque County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dubuque County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dubuque County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.