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When to plant Daikon in Mills County, IA

For Daikon in Mills County, the safe spring window opens around April 12 and closes around May 3. Last expected frost is April 26, first fall frost October 7, giving a 164-day growing season. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Daikon in Mills 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.

Mills County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 1,355 feet, Mills County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Daikon during the growing season.

Mills County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Mills County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Daikon Planting Timeline — Mills County, IA

Daikon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 – Jul 5
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 – Aug 12

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 5b

📆 Growing Season

164 days in Mills County

Growing Tips for Mills 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 Mills County, IA?

Mills County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Daikon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mills County, IA?

Mills County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Daikon in Mills County, IA?

In Mills County, IA, plant Daikon after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mills County, IA for Daikon?

Mills 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 Mills County's climate?

Yes — Daikon grows well in Mills County's temperate climate. Mills County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 7.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Mills 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.

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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 Mills County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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